"Oh, no. I sound like my mother."

Terrifying, the thought that one might be turning into their mother. At least, that's what we've been raised to expect. This idea is everywhere. It's in every media form we see. TV shows make jokes and magazines warn against it. One reason that I've noticed is simply a bad relationship between mother and daughter.

The other reason, however, seems more likely. It's a part of society's suggestion that, for a woman, growing old should be scorned or even feared. We are taught to hide signs of aging. There are creams, serums, and every form of makeup created to slow or erase aging. We are taught to loathe any connection to aging. The older we get, the more we seem like our mothers. It isn't becoming our mothers that we're afraid of, but growing old.

Lately, I've been noticing the growing similarities between my mother and myself. We have a similar tone of voice, a similar humor (the same laugh), and similar physical movements. This isn't very surprising, but it did sneak up on me. I hadn't realized until others pointed it out. Honestly, I'm relieved.

It would be great if I turn out like my mother. She's honest and kind and reliable. She's beautiful and generous. She's hardworking and puts others first. She has worked hard for everything she has and is an excellent role model. I might be a little biased, but I'm so proud of her, and I would be incredibly proud to be half the woman she is.

I know that this isn't the case for everyone. Not everyone adores their mom and not everyone should. However, I think that we, as a society, should do away with this fear of becoming our moms. So many moms are strong and should be looked up to. We women should strive to resemble our mothers. If you don't look forward to becoming your mother, don't let it be the fear of aging holding you back.