I'm trying to look a little more put together these days. I used to say I didn't care what I looked like or if I wore make-up; that I didn't need paint to be validated as a woman. That is only partially true. I certainly don't see myself as high maintenance, but basically I had just thrown in the towel, raised the white flag, given up... on me. I distinctly remember the first time I felt depressed, so to speak. I was 7, sitting on my bed in my room and was distraught because I thought my thighs were huge. Now, I could have been depressed because it was 1968. That year was a doozy. But the underlying current of melancholy follows me to this day if I let it. It has usurped too much of my time and energy. And it is exhausting to appear to have your shit together. Luckily, I've had angels looking out for me in a variety of ways and in a multitude of forms. They guide me, re-direct me, and occasionally hit me over the head with a 2 x 4.
I don't need make up to validate my beauty, on the inside or the outside. And I could go on and on about the disorted perceptions of beauty thrust upon a girl. Another day for sure. For today, I encourage you to care about you. You and I may never look like Penelope Cruz, but loving ourselves is gorgeous baby!
Amen to that!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I'd like to figure out though, why does Jessica Alba look cool sporting no makeup, unwashed hair, ripped jeans and a scarf and I look like a bag lady? I aspire to be the cool "I-don't-care-about-my-looks Hollywood mom" but it's harder than it looks! I think it helps if your sunglasses cost $500.
I love everything about this! What an encouraging blog for all women of all ages! I hate that mascara, paint, lipstick, etc. are the things that make women feel good about themselves. Can't I just feel good and confident walking into work with no makeup and hair in a ponytail? Thanks, Dana, for this post and for the encouragement! :)
ReplyDeleteSo have you ever looked at Kelly Slaters eyelashes? They are one of Gods greatest creations. And I aspire to them and fall short miserably and have succumb to the defeat. That however did not stop me from following her lead on a trip to Sephora by purchasing the brand of mascara she did which cost $28!!! Dare I say it left me wishing I had the 28 mcdomalds sweet teas I could have had instead and it dried up in about three weeks. I then purchased that telescopic mascara at the dollar general store for $3 and was highly impressed. I said Kelly, look what this mascara does for me! Her response was well they still aren't as nice as mine! Bitch and her Heaven sent eyelashes! Oh. And please don't tell Kevin I spent that much on mascara? Love. Wendi
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