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My mutt loves me no matter what. And he’s not afraid to show it, running to the door to see me even if I have been gone for three minutes to take out the trash. If only we could love ourselves like that, see ourselves for who we are and not just what we look like.
The “anorexic syndrome” of feeling fat, not good enough, not pretty enough affects more than just teenage and preteen girls. I do not know one woman who is totally comfortable with her body, myself included.
Going without TV in my apartment for almost two years has made me more aware. When I see stick-thin women on TV prancing around in barely any clothes, I notice. I notice the billboards and the magazine ads, the breast implants, Botox and celebrity women with “perfect” bodies. Did you know that nearly all celebrity women schedule their tummy tucks and C-sections in the same operation? I can’t say I blame them.
But the worst part is we let this falsehood get to us. I let it get to me. I compare myself to 5′ 11″ and 110-pound models. I work out more than I need to. I feel bad if I run two miles instead of three. I don’t deprive myself of chocolate, carbs or eating out, but I watch what I eat. Closely. I know when I’ve gained or lost two pounds.
And we all fall into this same trap, judging ourselves and others only by our appearances.
The scary thing is, most of us are so accustomed to these images, we lose touch with what normal, or even beautiful, is. I had to set myself apart (eliminate almost all TV watching) in order to become more aware. And it’s not just women who are victim to this. The male models in magazines are just as bad, not an ounce of fat, not a wrinkle, barely any body hair. Can we say Photoshop?
My boyfriend said something to me today that I will rephrase, because it applies to you as well:
You are HOT, but you are also a lot of other things too. Smart, Funny, Adventurous, Fun and many more.
Remember that. You are beautiful. Creative. Strong. Competitive. Intellectual. Brave. Important. Admired. Loved. A best friend.
Really, it’s OK to trust your dog on this one.
(Image from coj.net)
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June 21st, 2008 at 9:16 am
Yeah - it’s easy to fall into the trap, especially here in Los Angeles. On the other hand, I run into those “perfect” people all of the time. Guess what - they don’t look so perfect on the street without their makeup, stylist, lighting, etc. Most look like the rest of us - normal, everyday beauties!
Apryl DeLancey’s last blog post..Life Rolls On
June 21st, 2008 at 9:44 am
If only people were not shallow and could judge other creatures by something other than appearance the way dogs do, it would be a better world.
jan’s last blog post..Gus named World’s Ugliest Dog, 2008
June 21st, 2008 at 10:12 am
What really cracks me up is using 14 year old models to sell “anti-aging” products… jeez. Like we don’t notice. I really appreciate this post!! Thank you for putting it out there.
“Unplugging” is a very big thing. I wish more Americans would kill their televisions…
One of the serious side effects to all of the fixation on “perfection” is that young people have very skewed expectations about what the opposite sex is really like. When it all gets very real, in a close encounter, nobody is like the airbrushed phony models. Enough to make one go racing for a performance pill..? It’s pretty sad.
Anyway, I think it’s a great idea to “Be the person your dog thinks you are!” Thanks Lindsay and Ace!
Bonnie Story’s last blog post..My Garden Helper
June 21st, 2008 at 11:18 am
Very inspiring post! I’m so glad I found your blog.
♥
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
This is one of the better blog posts I have read in a long time. I’d say your boyfriend is a keeper.
Your dog too!
Crystal’s last blog post..*Flutter, flutter* II
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:42 pm
im proud of you : ) It takes a long time to let your true feelings and defenses follow your sound reasoning and its great to know that others are trying too
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