We live in a world of fierce contradictions. Just when self-help gurus, preachers and therapists are urging us to become real and to accept and love ourselves just as we are, more and more people are submitting to extremely expensive and delicate surgeries and enduring long, painful recoveries for the sake of attaining perfection.
It?s not my intention to discuss who is at fault for the unfair standards of beauty that we have the bad habit of living by, because everybody-- men, the media and even Europe?has already been accused. What we fail to realize is that each person reaches a moment in their lives when they decide what defines them regardless of what others say. To accept yourself as you are or to change yourself? the choice is yours.
The fact that you carry all your ?flaws? with dignity does not make you a better person than the woman who decides to invest thousands to get another nose, bigger breasts, thinner legs or even a whole different face. And accepting your naturalness-- be it hair, size or body odor-- does not guarantee that you will be happy.
Recently I read a sign in a tattoo studio that said: "If you?re here because you really want to decorate your body with art, you?re welcome. If you?re here because somebody is pushing you to get a tattoo, please leave? I found the message amusing, and yet very deep. The big question is (whether you signed up for a facelift or a tummy tuck) ?why do you want to get the procedure done??
If after sincere heart searching you realize that you?re doing it to make an impact on somebody else, then beware. The people who really love you should be able to accept you just as you are. Any improvements or additions must be done for you, and not to impress others.
A few days ago a close friend of mine said the most amazing thing to me. He said: ?Like most men I enjoy looking at perfect women, but for myself I?d choose a real woman every time; the one who has had babies and has a few extra pounds or a scar to show for it. Those flaws make her real and that is sexy.?
I was blown away by this comment because just like a lot of you reading this, I?ve had a baby, I have scars, a few stretch marks, a couple of not-so-cute love handles, and a number of unsightly dimples on my thighs. I have complained extensively to the mirror, to my husband and to my friends about these flaws. But they make me real! I?m never going to be a supermodel by the fashion industry?s standards, but it's up to me to be as genuine as I can be. I?m going to love myself-- flaws and all, I?m going to be happy, and I?m going to make others happy.
Regardless of what you choose to do (or not) to yourself, make sure your beauty comes from the heart. Get rid of resentment, gossip and envy because no matter how pretty and perfect you look on the exterior whatever?s on the inside is sure to pop out sooner or later. Authenticity comes from within.
If you?re a perfect woman-- the kind that does not need to fret about weight gain, and has never had a bad hair day-- well good for you. If you?re like me; embrace the uniqueness and work it!
