"Aging Gracefully: The Art of Becoming More Fully Yourself."

One of the greatest gifts aging has given me is freedom.

When I was younger, I cared far too much about what others thought. I wanted to do things right, say the right things, and be liked by everyone. But somewhere around sixty, I resigned from the popularity contest. Not because I became unkind or indifferent, but because I became more authentic.

I learned that speaking my truth with kindness matters more than pleasing everyone.

I no longer need everyone's approval to know my worth. And what surprised me most was this: the more I became myself, the more peace I experienced.

Age stripped away the need to prove anything. I don't have to prove that I'm intelligent enough, successful enough, spiritual enough, or worthy enough. I simply have the privilege of being fully Teri.

And I can tell you this—there is tremendous freedom in no longer performing for the world.

Growing older has not diminished me.

It has introduced me to myself.