Kendra Wilkinson, the reality television star and former Playboy model, has expressed her thoughts on ageing and self-acceptance, focusing on her personal wellbeing and her children rather than pursuit of a romantic relationship. In an inspiring Instagram post, the 41-year-old Wilkinson shared her journey toward embracing the changes that come with growing older.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Kendra-Wilkinson-070826-3-32b8196894a045d2b8bc4fd7278621f3.jpg)
The former star of E!’s hit reality series, *The Girls Next Door*, which showcased her life in the Playboy Mansion starting at the age of 18, reflected on her transition from being a young model to a mother of two and an empowered single woman. She recently turned 41 and has decided to step away from the pressures of maintaining a traditional ‘sexy’ image that has been associated with her past.
“I’m okay with ageing. I’m okay not being young Kendra anymore. I’m not Playboy anymore,” Wilkinson stated in her Instagram stories posted earlier in July. She emphasises that her priorities have shifted significantly, turning away from dating and outward appearances to focus on the joys and responsibilities of motherhood.
Wilkinson has two children, Hank Randall IV, aged 14, and Alijah Mary, aged 12, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Hank Baskett III. In her recent comments, she reiterated that her main concern now is about creating a peaceful and fulfilling life for herself and her kids. “Finding gratitude and my peace every day is my objective,” she affirmed.
Furthermore, Wilkinson addressed her decision to focus on self-love and personal growth by stating, “I’m not trying to be sexy. I’m loving ME and exactly who I am and turning into. Had to get through the ‘what do people want from me’ to get here.” This reflects her ongoing journey towards self-acceptance, as she works to prioritise her own needs over the opinions of others.
In response to social media criticism regarding her age, she indicated that she hopes to encourage positive perceptions of ageing among women. “A lot of people don’t see the posts and I get new followers who criticise my age,” the star commented, stressing her belief in the importance of presenting empowering messages surrounding the topic of ageing.
Moreover, Wilkinson shared that she is content with her current stage in life, even jokingly noting her acceptance of ageing “poorly.” In a previous exchange with a critic, she stated, “For some reason I’m happier than I’ve ever been lately even with a little weight gain and wrinkles,” conveying a sense of resilience against negativity.
Wilkinson, who has weathered public scrutiny over her physical appearance in the past, described herself as “a balanced, single, positive, fun woman who loves life.” This sentiment marks a significant shift from her earlier days in the limelight where external validation often shaped her self-image. Reflecting on her past, she acknowledged the chaotic and sometimes tumultuous journey she has experienced over the last two decades.
“I was very young when I started TV and lived a crazy chaotic 20 years of impressing others but now it’s about ME. Giving back to ME,” she commented, highlighting her commitment to personal development despite having relinquished some aspects of her former fame.
Through her candid reflections, Kendra Wilkinson aims to inspire other women facing the challenges of ageing and societal expectations. In promoting self-love and acceptance, she hopes to foster a culture where women can embrace their own journeys, finding peace and happiness in their choices, irrespective of external pressures.