Redefining Beauty series: Part 1
I was never thin or obese, but always fluffy. Aren’t grandmas’ suppose to be fluffy?? I use to play with my Barbie dolls and wondered why I didn’t look like her. Her long wavy hair, narrow chiseled face, abnormally small waist, long lean legs and beautifully shaped hips. How could I achieve this? Decades, dollars, and many emotions later I found out how.
Redefining Beauty
After my divorce in 2004, I began exercising and changing my eating habits. I lost 35 pounds and was a size 4 depending on what store I shopped. I finally achieved beauty…. right?
Losing weight came with new beasts
My breasts were deflated (very similar to Magda’s from Something About Mary), I had skin on my tummy that rested pleasantly in an unattractive way, and my arms were still soft. So I worked harder!
In the meantime, I ate virtually no carbs but would binge periodically and eat all things in the pantry except the shelves. Office garbage cans contained leftover donuts from morning meetings and were a real temptation. I may have actually gotten one out but my selective memory prevents me from telling.
I had been working in a dream position that required me to lead two exercise sessions a day and I loved it but when I transferred to a desk job, things slowly started to change.
What do you see in this picture?
I chose Cortney from colormecourtney because how she inspires me. Beauty, class, authenticity, high self-esteem, joy, freedom, and more. I see perfect imperfections in a girl that isn’t hiding behind anything. Her colorful attire tells me that. How amazing!
Next week: Find out what the plastic surgeon told me and all the lies I bought but more importantly my first step in TRULY redefining beauty–
- Part 2: Body Image
- Part 3: Body Type
- Part 4: Style Quiz
Oh, Mindy. You have no idea how much I love this series already! I am quite the perfectionist and have struggled with body image for longer than I’d like to admit. I always used to be so hard on myself because I couldn’t be a runway model by agency standards. I’d never be. It’s physically impossible because I have a muscular build. With age, I’ve learned to love my body and be thankful for my health above all. If we’re confident in our skin, that is SOOOO much more attractive than physical appearance. Also, I think this is the perfect opportunity to let you know just how beautiful I think you are! XO
Christina, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I look at you and see perfection and I imagine that If I looked like you, I’d have no struggles. What a lie right? And for you to see my beauty makes you even more beautiful.
Oooooh I like this series you’ve just started! We all have things we don’t like about our bodies, no one is perfect and if they say so, they are lying. Keep it real!
Yes! No lies from this mouth. At least about beauty. HA!
Love that you are talking about this. Can’t wait to read this series.
I’ve gotten some good feedback so July will have Part 2. Thanks Bethany for your support. xo