Your outlook can age you - or not!

I recently turned 30, yet I still forget how old I am when people ask.

For some reason, I have been stuck on 27 for the past couple years. I really believe I am 27. I feel 27 - it's so bizarre! After I spill my age, everyone always says the same thing anyway: "You look 24." The LCBO folks always look from my drivers license to me, then back to my license and say I must have good genes. I look even younger without make-up. I'm not trying to look younger. That's just the way it is!

I agree that genetics are partly why I look so young, but I like to think my lifestyle contributes to it as well. I eat healthy, don't smoke and never do drugs, and only drink moderately. Plus, I also go to the gym 3+ times a week, don't wear layers of make-up and smile - a LOT.

I firmly believe outlook can actually change how you look. In my opinion, the majority of depressed and negative people look like crap - dark circles under their eyes, greyish hue of skin. Blech. (If you needed yet another reason to be positive, there it is!). Obviously, people who are depressed turn to substances to feel better (drugs, junk food), which in the end, make you look and feel even worse. Once you hit that spiral I imagine it's hard to get out. In effect, proving how important outlook and good self-esteem is.

There is a reason why it has been scientifically proven that smiling actually makes you feel better.