Everyday women are assaulted with articles, advertisements, and media hype that target their self image. No part of their anatomy is left out. As a result the majority of women, including the very young, have negative feelings about themselves. Research in women’s studies have shown that girls as young as nine are weighing themselves. It is not uncommon for women to bond over what they consider to be their flaws. How often have we overheard or been part of conversations that contain a constant flow of self deprecation? Hair that doesn’t look right, cellulite that has taken over thighs, breasts that are slumping, and the ever present bloat. I have never heard a man tell another man he was bloated. It’s doubtful that they have ever experienced a condition which seems to afflict women from birth.
Over the span of my lifetime I have bought into much of what I thought I “should” do to fix myself. As a result I have bought bras that were supposed to “lift and separate”, or create a “miracle” as in the miracle bra. I have spent thousands of dollars on hair products that I thought were going to create volume, shine, and longer locks. A lot of the shoes and clothing I wore early on made me feel like I was rehearsing for a medieval play, tight, suffocating, and hot. I discovered that I didn’t have to “lift and separate” my breasts, they were happy together, miracle bras don’t work unless you wear them. Take them off and the miracle is over. No one needs that many hair products, or clothing that is uncomfortable and ridiculous. It makes more sense to put it into your RRSP or 401K.
Yes, looking great is a wonderful feeling but we are so much more than that. We are mystical, magical and divine. Many of us have scaled mountains, both literally and figuratively, to become role models for those who follow. Artists, Astronauts, CEO’s, Scientists, Actresses, Athletes, Warriors, Politicians, Inventors, Religious leaders, Architects, Chefs, Counselors, Activists, Financial advisors, Mothers, Grandmothers, Great grandmothers, and more.
Isn’t it time for us all to celebrate our talents, virtues and strengths rather than agonize over the extra piece of bread we might have eaten for lunch? In the end it is our courage, resiliency, tenacity, passion and humor that matters. It is the woman that focuses on herself from the inside out, not the outside in that will help change the world.
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