Maintaining a positive mindset is a key to staving off the aging process. There are many techniques that can boost your positive mental attitude and help you age gracefully.

The awareness of who we are and where we want to go in life develops in your mind; you have control of every thought, action and deed. When one recognizes mind-power, life can become richer, easier and more fulfilling because you are cognizant of your energy, your thinking.

One avenue of awareness is through affirmations; these simple positive statements, steeped in belief that you are the master of your destiny, can help overcome many fears and doubts one may harbor. Tony Robbins, noted author and speaker, has a favorite that he repeats 500 times a day while jogging: Gods wealth is circulating in me. His wealth flows to me in avalanches of abundance. All my needs, desires and goals are met instantaneously for I am one with God and God is everything. Those are powerful words. Repeating these powerful, faith filled words many times a day will permeate your subconscious mind and soon you will find yourself repeating them over and over again each day.

Recently, NBC Today Show featured Katie Couric, Christy Brinkley and Cheryl Tiegs discussing how age and aging was being redefined; they concluded that age fifty is now the new thirty; age sixty is now the new forty. This redefinition of aging is possible because we look and act differently than our ancestors; we have transformed physically and mentally and most of us would like to think were getting better at life. Just think back 100 years, our life expectancy was approximately 47 years and now the average age of first time grandparents is 47.

Transformation of the self - awareness, actualization, comes from the inside. Many people believe if they are showing outward signs of aging, Botox or a visit to a plastic surgeon will give them the needed boost of self-confidence, sex appeal or happiness that is lacking in their lives. Once those procedures are done, some patients may be disappointed that their life did not magically transform: yes, the outside has been changed yet they may still feel empty and unfilled.

As life expectancy increases more and more anti-aging creams, pills and injections will be marketed to the baby boomers and zoomers. As it is today, we are inundated with lotions and potions that promote empty promises which mean there are a lot of disappointed people who have spent countless thousands of dollars chasing after the fountain of youth. Celebrities and models have set an unreachable goal for many as their airbrushed and retouched photos are splashed across beauty magazines, movie posters and billboards. They just look so perfect no wrinkles, no bulging thighs or stomach that jiggles and gorgeous hair perfectly coifed.

Almost every emotion shows on our face pain, joy, anger, stress, disappointment, frustration, sorrow, illness, hopelessness and love. When life happens the face becomes drawn and tired. At this point, some may seek professional help plastic surgery. After a few nips and tucks, the newly altered face begins to loosen and aging becomes apparent again because surgical procedures or injections do not stop or reverse aging in the face.

What if you want to look and feel healthier and happier without going to extremes or spending a lot of money? Well, you can!

The true beauty of every person begins inside; its an ongoing process of evolving emotions, understanding unconditional love and loving your self more. Happiness and health is achieved when we learn to treat each other with love, respect and honor; everyone benefits from our presence - our families, our friendships, our co-workers and each person we meet and greet.

A reliable alternative to facial injections and elective surgeries is facial exercise.

There is an internal change that occurs when you face yourself in the mirror and perform movements to correct an aging face; that change is self acceptance. As you learn to love your total self, you will more and more appreciate that person in the mirror.