new body and it’s going to take some time to adjust,” Lifford, the Speak Up in BE panel moderator, adds. “Allow yourself the grace to go through the grieving process and then move on to manage.”
Although Lifford can relate to the feeling of being unseen, she has managed to age gracefully in an industry that often places stereotypes on women as they age.
One role she is incredibly proud of is her portrayal of Aunt Vi in the television series “Queen Sugar”, who she credits for allowing her to challenge stereotypes about aging and visibility.
“She truly impacted the depiction of women over the age of 60 because prior to that, I can’t think of a show with a woman over 60 being vibrant in front of the screen,” Lifford says.
Outside of acting, Lifford is the CEO of the Inner Fitness Project, which focuses on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The project aims to empower individuals to take control of their inner health, paralleling the themes of advocacy and self-empowerment discussed in the panel.
Moving forward, Lifford hopes the future of the conversation around gender and aging will continue to model the change we want to see.
“I think it’s super important that we take our possibilities seriously, that we name them. If you are challenged by unseenism, a powerful question is, ‘How can I move beyond this feeling of unseenism?'”
Lifford’s advice for those feeling pressured by societal norms is to start with themselves. By envisioning how you want to feel and articulating your desires, you can begin to attract positive change in your life. Recognizing your uniqueness and inherent worthiness is key to reshaping thoughts and actions about yourself.
She also emphasizes the importance of community and finding people who understand you, help strengthen you, and help you feel seen.
“Forcing yourself to say wait a minute I matter helps you rewire that habit of strength and courage,” Lifford says. “I walk noting that I am adding value to everyone.”