How do you see yourself?

We all have a picture in our mind of how we look, but what others see, is sometimes quite different. Today's body image is warped by the fashion world using ultra slim models, and the film industry and television presenting slender actors, which leave many women feeling inadequate, knowing the impossibility of reaching anywhere near this 'perfection' we have become brainwashed in seeking. It can be even more damaging when disabled or suffering from chronic disease, resulting in low self esteem and image. I admit to being a few kilos heavier than I should be, and if I didn't have such a sweet tooth, I'm sure with a little willpower, the extra weight would disappear. However, apart from this, I wouldn't want to change a thing. I have never endorsed or felt comfortable with elective surgery. Over the years I have required a lot of necessary surgery due to my ill health, and if after all this, I felt compelled to change my appearance through elective surgery, it would clearly indicate a feeling of poor self-image.

Everyone is individual, and has a beauty of their own which should be embraced. Wouldn't the world be a boring place if we all looked the same, as if from an identical mould, fashioned to fit certain criteria? I have never been in favour of beauty pageants either, for again the emphasis of  being a certain height, weight, shape and look I find appalling . This is no more natural or better than  entering one's pedigree dog in a professional show, only to find that your dog's coat is slightly the wrong texture, the tail is too long, or the ears don't conform to the standards set by the breed's criteria. They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so be a little kinder to yourself when you look in the mirror and don't be so judgemental. This generation have been preconditioned, and we are passing on these detrimental elements to our daughters.

How sad it is that women are not able to embrace what nature has given them, and to allow the years to gracefully add character to our faces. When I look at my wrinkles and the crows feet by my eyes, I see only the laughter and happiness I have experienced which is now etched on my face. Removing these lines would be almost like erasing memories and wearing a false mask. As it is, having Parkinson's, my expressions are often now not visible as the familiar "masking effect" of the disease hides my emotions. I found it most interesting that Dove have taken to addressing these issues of self image, and through very imaginative advertising, are attempting to reach the 'real' women of this world. I am not advertising Dove or telling you to buy their products, but merely applauding their efforts, which you can see in this clip.