Few things make me more sick than the focus on being thin and attractive in this country of ours. Everywhere you look, there are messages on television, radio, billboards and stores that to be loved, accepted and worthwhile, we must look like super-models.
It seems that to have a career in any type of communications these days, you have to be a Harvard graduate as well as a superstar model, brains and beauty, I guess. Even on Extreme Home Make-Over, all of the cast members are young and attractive. Heck, even 'Joe, the Plumber' was hot.
Having said all of that, where do the rest of us stand in terms of our appearance? Are we to be completely counter-cultural and 'let it all hang out'? Rather shall we all run out and join health clubs today, followed by trips to the mall for complete make-up and wardrobe overhauls?
I prefer to think that there is a balance to this equation, and have spent years and years working through this very issue myself.
Over the next few days, I would like to open up some discussion about this. Some questions I would like to explore are:
*How can we reconcile the difference between how we look vs. who we are?
*What is our responsibility towards our appearance once we are married and/or with children?
*What should our attitude be regarding our marital relationship in terms of how we present ourselves?
*Psychologically, does it make a difference if you are 'put together'?
*Does our appearance have a bearing on how 'effective' we are with our family and others?
Let's start the conversation!
Said
Pyschologically my mood is much better if I am "put together". I feel better about myself and it exudes from me:)
That being the case, I am more effective in general with my family and friends when I am put together. I have more patience and a higher tolerence to most things that may usually get under my skin.
BUT, this all cancels out when I'm home with the kiddos (all 5 under 10). It would drive me nuts and make me cranky if I was wearing something nice while getting spit up on, pooped on or lord knows what else these boys throw my way:)
My husband and I were just talking about this...he works in the corporate world where everyone is required to dress up for work. He sees women all day that are dressed to the nines with hair and makeup and nails "just so"...then he comes home to me in my comfy "go ahead and spit-up on me clothes." It's an interesting place to be...on one hand he knows what I'm doing all day, but on the other it must be quite the change over.
warmly,
Taryn
Said
As with everything, there's balance. I think it's perfectly normal and acceptable for a woman to want to feel beautiful. There's nothing wrong with that. I also think it's important that we care about our appearance, and take good care of ourselves by eating as healthy as we can and getting in a little bit regular exercise to keep our bodies healthy. That, of course, will look different depending on the season of life we're in, and that's okay, too!
God also created us in many different shapes and sizes and we need to accept, and even love our bodies, the way He created them. I think so many women's lives are wasted on poor self image and trying to achieve what they feel is the "perfect" size or shape. I have a friend who is a slave to her scale and it's so depressing because she's beautiful. It robs her of joy many days.
I feel much better when I change out of my "frumpy" clothes (like the above person posted about clothes you wear around the house all day when you have many little ones) and into something nicer, and my hair is done. I don't think that's vain, I think that's being a woman who likes to feel beautiful. It becomes an issue when it's all consuming and the woman finds her value in the way she looks.
Great topic! :)
Said
i JUST read this for the first time. when i tried yesterday the computer was mean and wouldn't let me.
i think this is an awesome discussion! it's 3:51 and i just put on a bra and am about to go wash my face for the first time today. does that count? ;)
Said
It's a start!
Kelly :)