TintedLens

I’m unsure of how to state this. I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by the image Hollywood presents of women. (well, hopefully that worked as a statement of emotion…)There is this immense pressure to be physically beautiful and that, in a nutshell, seems to me that it requires almost unreachable limits. I don’t see how one can be extremely thin, have curves, never-out-of-place locks, unblemished skin, etcetera, and be content. I do not doubt that it is possible; I do, however, doubt that it is possible in a wide group of individuals. If one is constantly shaping their appearances to fit these strict requirements, how could they possibly be happy? Personally, when I scrutinize my outer image, I become discouraged. If you focus on how you look, you will most likely find things you are unhappy with. You know what? I don’t want to do that anymore. At all. I want to focus on being a better person on the inside and that will, I presume, reflect on the outside. But if it doesn’t, I’m okay. I want to be happy with who I am. I believe acceptance of your personality will result in acceptance of your outer image. Sure, I could be incorrect in all of my theories .But this is something I want to work for because, honestly, I don’t see how it could go awry.

The other day, I read an excellent quote on Elle Blogs by artist Dain where he paraphrased his mother. He agreed with her that women today do not leave much to one’s imagination. I am also in agreement. The iconic beauties of times, decades, generations past are more than gone. The classic styles they brought to life have passed on with them. I am not in any way encouraging us all to go out and wear pencil skirts, pin curl our hair, and wear, dare I say it, stockings…I am, however, suggesting, that as the face of the future, we keep in mind what tools we want to use to secure our places in the world. A body can be cultivated and sent to war by almost anyone. What we need is intelligence, bold thoughts, determination, and the list goes on and on. So many characteristics can be embodied and nurtured. These are the weapons we need to outfit ourselves with. And yes, we do, generally speaking, wish to be physically attractive. Isn’t that part of the game of love? But why have a lovely outer appearance with no personal substance to back it with? I don’t see the attraction, long-term speaking, of a hollow shell. But maybe that is just me. I know the entire world does not share my opinions.

I am not avoiding the flaws women have possessed in the past. I understand that the decades of which I am focusing were not perfect, and women and men alike did engage in activities I am not supporting. I do heartily believe that from history, we in the present can learn many a lesson. Like many scenarios, life tends to repeat itself. Take war, riots, protests, and blue jeans, the things will not die. And that is not always bad, or good, or anything in between. It is what it is. But techniques improve (typically) as time passes. We learn from our mistakes (hopefully) and can alter situations to what we believe will work out better this or that time around. What I am saying is this: take a classy icon, determine what impresses you about her, and take those elements and mix them with ones you posses/wish to posses. Then, work towards that. As my dear friend Tony Crowe says, you can push yourself the furthest, and kick yourself in the butt the hardest. No one else can challenge yourself like you can. Work to make a better “you”, a person you are proud to be. Do good for others. Thank God for the day He has given you. Compliment others joyously. Tell someone you love them. Smile when it rains. Give a hug (or two, or three…). Laugh at your goof-ups. Enjoy mistakes. Make the best of absolutely everything. And when you need to cry, cry. My tip: find an caring shoulder to cry on.

Music of the day: "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz; also, check out your local classical station(s). Honestly, they're wondrous :)