The Greatest Beauty Secret of All

I want to share The Greatest Beauty Secret of All, which is self-acceptance. Most of us have to retrain our brains to accept ourselves. It takes time. It takes effort. And it’s definitely easier said than done. But it’s worth the trouble, believe me.

When I was growing up, I hated my eyes because I thought they were too small. I wanted fuller lips. But when my mother offered to get me a nose job in my teens, I turned her down. I liked my nose (still do) and overall, I was okay with the way I looked. Never mind that this was in the era where supermodel Cheryl Tiegs reigned and petite brunettes with strong noses weren’t exactly the rage. My face represented who I was and it felt good to accept it, and myself. That feeling became the foundation of my mission to make women look like themselves, only better. I never try to make a woman look like anyone else. The strength of our beauty likes in our uniqueness.

How do you feel about your face? We would all probably choose to be movie-star or supermodel gorgeous if we could. But I’ve worked with many of the famous faces you see every day and believe it or not, they feel about their looks the same way we feel about ours. They like some features, dislike others and if given a choice, might choose someone else’s lips or hips to replace their own.

Take a look at yourself and ask: am I okay with myself, just the way I am? Practice thinking or saying, “I accept myself here and now, just as I am.” This may not be easy, but it’s simple. And it’s essential, because there aren’t enough beauty products, regimens, cosmetic surgeries and enhancements to make you happy with what you see in the mirror.

The Secret is that it has to come from within. The journey to acceptance zigs and zags sometimes, but it’s worth striving to get there. While we weren’t all created physically equal, each of us has the ability to accept and embrace what we were given to work with.

When it comes to self-acceptance, I’m a work in progress, just like you. I’m entering midlife, I’ve had three sons and I rely upon healthy eating and regular exercise to look and feel my best. (Along with a bit of concealer and blush).

Since we’re all in this together, let’s support each other in facing, accepting and embracing our natural selves. Let’s use the energy we waste fretting about this feature or that to reach out and make the world a better, brighter place. That’s my Secret, and I hope you pass it on.