Aging Dis-gracefully

Why being called “graceful” feels like an insult—and what we’re doing instead.

Let’s talk about the word “graceful.”

You know what it sounds like? A polite way to tell women to shrink quietly. It’s aging softly. Aging quietly. Aging acceptably.

It’s the verbal equivalent of being handed a beige cardigan and told not to make a fuss.

Well. I am making a fuss.

I am aging dis-gracefully. And it feels phenomenal.

What “Dis-graceful” Really Means

It means I wear leopard print to brunch and red lipstick to the gym.
It means I laugh too loud, say what I mean, and don’t smooth over awkward silences just to be polite.
It means I know I’m not 30—and thank God. That woman was tired, insecure, and way too eager to be liked.

I’ve earned my dis-grace. Every fine line, every eye roll, every time I walked away from something that used to define me.

Graceful aging is for magazine covers and Hallmark ads. Dis-graceful aging is for women who are too alive to play dead in public.

Why the World Wants You Graceful

Let’s be clear: “Graceful” is a control word.
It’s society saying: We’ll let you get older… as long as you don’t get louder.
Don’t be sexy. Don’t be opinionated. Don’t take up too much space.
God forbid you show up in a short skirt and have something to say.

Well, guess what? My hemline and my opinions are both getting shorter by the year.

Signs You’re Aging Dis-gracefully (And Should Keep Going)

• You stopped pretending you like wine when you really want tequila.

• You RSVP "no" without an excuse—and don’t feel guilty.

• You bought the leather jacket, booked the solo trip, joined the salsa class, or hit “unfollow” on your ex.

• You say “no” more often and “hell yes” to the right chaos.

• You’re no longer available for performative modesty, self-doubt, or boring conversations.

If any of this sounds like you, congratulations:
You're not aging badly. You're aging authentically.
You're not falling apart. You’re falling into place.

Final thought:
Dis-graceful doesn’t mean messy.
It means unbothered.
Untamed.
Unapologetically you.

And if anyone doesn’t like it?
Tell them the Old Broad sent you