By: Lori McMullin, APRDirector of Business Operations & Communications
Center for Business Excellence
“And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are…”
Trying to stay hip and with it (yeah, right), I recently heard a new song by Bruno Mars, “Just The Way You Are.” It really encapsulated how I, as a woman, want to be perceived by others.
Too often, we are our own worst critics. If we view ourselves in a negative light, it will most definitely show during a job interview.
I’ve struggled with body image since my teenage years. Some of that came from external sources such as images from Hollywood and magazines. Others came from people in my life. You know-- soul-crushing comments like, “If only you’d change “XYZ,” then you would look good.” However, the most damaging messages came and, sometimes, still come from negative self talk.
Of course, we should all strive to be as healthy and fit as we can be, but this also means learning to love ourselves. I found an interesting article on the subject on the CVS/Pharmacy Web site: http://www.cvshealthresources.com/topic/bodyimagewomen
In any case, I hope Bruno Mars really means what he sings. If so, we should embrace our daughters, sisters, mothers, etc., and tell them they are beautiful just the way they are! Check out this awesome anthem of sorts that could change the way we think about ourselves and how we communicate to other women: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhCEhWiKXk
Sadly, too many women judge themselves by impossible (and I mean "impossible" here in the literal sense of the word) standards thrust upon them by a culture that would crush their self esteem in order to sell them everything from expensive make up that does not deliver what it promises, to weight loss tips and "secrets" that eventually fail as well. Surely there is nothing wrong with a woman wanting to look her best, but when it begins to eat at the core of who she believes she is, something isn't right. It is my hope that women everywhere, will begin the process of evaluating themselves by looking deeply into who/how they are, as well as why they feel the way they do about themselves (Ie. Is this a valid judgment, or feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and/or dissatisfaction whispered subliminally into my ear?) and see themselves in a whole new light.
ReplyDeleteAnd they have to do so because if they won't look slim and trim then their professional job may fall downwards.
ReplyDelete