Summary
In her heartfelt blog post, Couri Center’s Licensed Esthetician Ashley Obia shares her personal journey with Stage 1 Colon Cancer, emphasizing the profound lessons she has learned about aging. She reflects on the importance of valuing life's small moments and viewing aging as a privilege rather than an enemy. Ashley encourages readers to embrace aging gracefully, celebrating each wrinkle and gray hair as a testament to life's experiences. She invites everyone to join her in creating a community that honors every stage of life’s journey.
Pamela Anderson penned a beautiful poem about the meaning of life and getting older in the caption of her Instagram post. “Life humbles you. As you grow old…you stop chasing the big things and start valuing the little things…alone time, enough sleep, a good diet, long walks, and quality time with loved ones,” she wrote in the caption. “Simplicity becomes the ultimate goal…✨🤍.”
I often think of this poem, feeling that as we grow older, the little things in life start to matter most. It’s hard to embrace aging, particularly in a culture that obsessively glorifies youth and teaches us to view aging as an enemy.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
I remember the call; my doctor had called and said it looked like one of the 12 polyps they had removed during my colposcopy was cancerous. I’ll never forget that day. I was at work and the moment he said cancer, the tears hit my cheeks. There must be a mistake because I’m only 36; I am too young to have cancer. My mind was going at 100 mph with tons of thoughts, such as, am I going to survive this? I need to be around for my two children, who will cuddle with them at night before bed if I’m not here. No one will ever be able to love them like I love them. Cancer changed my entire outlook on life in a matter of seconds.
A Privilege to Age
I was fortunate to have been diagnosed with Stage 1 Colon Cancer. Although scary with colon cancer, if it is caught in the early stages like mine, it is likely easier to treat. Fast forward to December 9th, 2022, the day I had my colon resection. I am a cancer survivor.
Now, I want to make myself very clear. I don’t share my story today because I want attention or sympathy. I share my story with others because I think it is important for people to understand that aging is a privilege that cancer has robbed so many people of. We need to move away as a society from the idea that youth is the definition of beauty. There are so many ways to be beautiful, and we shouldn’t fear the course of nature.
Celebrating the Aging Process
But beyond skincare, aging gracefully is also about the legacy we create and the impact we leave in this world. It’s a privilege to age because it means we have more time to make a difference, share our stories, and inspire others. Every wrinkle, every gray hair, tells a story of laughter, tears, victories, and lessons learned.
So, as your esthetician, I am here to celebrate the aging process with you. Let us embrace this privilege of aging and continue to lift each other up to create a community together that values every stage of life’s journey. Together, we can shift the narrative around aging, celebrating it as the vibrant, beautiful, and enriching experience that it truly is.
If you are still here, thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. Cheers to embracing every moment, every opportunity, and every new wrinkle that aging brings.
As I look at my life, I am blessed to be here to watch my children grow. These four words remain true: Aging is a privilege.
XO,
Ashley Obia, LE
The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. If you’re at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer (or think you might be), talk to your healthcare provider to learn more. They can suggest the best screening option for you and determine what type of screening schedule you should follow based on your risk.