Celebrity News
The topic of aging can be an uncomfortable subject for many because of the internal and external changes they may experience, but in Tracee Ellis Ross' eyes, it is a gift.
The actress, who has captivated our hearts for over two decades with her iconic roles in Girlfriends and black-ish, turned 50 last year and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Ross is one of the many celebrities that continues to remove the stigma behind aging by frequently giving fans an inside look at her ever-changing body and overall health by sharing tips and uploading various workout videos on social media.
In a recent interview with NPR, Ross shared why she always viewed getting older as a blessing and the many lessons she's learned along the way.
Tracee On Why She Chooses to Age Gracefully
During the discussion on April 11, Ross revealed that she wholeheartedly accepted the concept of aging because, sadly, many people don't get the opportunity to grow old.
"Well, I personally have always loved getting older, like genuinely, I think it's an honor to get older. Not everybody gets to get older, and I'm not sure why we don't look at it that way," she explained.
Ross added that although society and a handful of individuals are obsessed with the idea of youth--mainly stemming from one's physical appearance-- the star expressed that she wouldn't go back in time because, with aging, she has learned to be comfortable with her body and who she is as a person.
"I know we are obsessed with youth. I would not go back if you paid me. Sure, my skin was tighter. Sure, my legs held muscle in a different way. But, I am so much more comfortable in my skin," The High Note star said while describing the figure she had when she was younger. "I intuitively know how to handle things that used to baffle me. I know when it's time to leave a party. I know that 'no' is a complete sentence. I have figured that out, and this is wonderful."
Tracee On How She Overcame The Idea Of What She Thought Her Life Would Look Like At 50
As the conversation shifted to how Ross developed a positive mindset regarding growing older and not fulfilling particular personal goals, the Reed Between the Lines actress disclosed that the process happened over time.
"At the same time, there's a whole bunch of stuff... that ain't happening that I really thought was going to be happening," she said. “There's a lot of pieces that I'm like, 'ouch,' and a grief that comes up around them. I'm really mindful of not creating meaning of those things."
One of the personal goals that Ross has yet to accomplish is finding the right partner and eventually settling down. The star stated that despite being single and getting older, she would not allow those circumstances to deter her from living her best life.
"People say, 'well, you're the poster child of being single and happy.' I'm like, 'yeah, and I also want a relationship.' But am I going to do, sit around and wait? Wait to get chosen? Get out of here. I got a life to live, " she exclaimed.
With that mentality, Ross could help inspire others to embrace their aging journey.
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Feature image by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Vanity Fair
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