My daughter Aimee never feels limited by her gender thanks to the work of women's rights activists who fought for equality. Photo credit: Godfredsen Photography
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
--Audrey Hepburn
Happy International Women’s Day 2019! Although I have both men and women as clients, I am dedicating this blog to the women in my chair. They are more than clients—they are sources of inspiration to me and it has nothing to do with their looks.
I work in the beauty industry and it’s my job to soften, smooth and plump my clients’ faces so they look their best. Ironically, I have never lost sight of the fact that beauty comes from within. We all can think of stunningly beautiful people we know who are not so beautiful on the inside. Those people become less attractive to us just as kind, helpful people become more attractive.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to look our best. More and more women and men choose to have cosmetic procedures, but if a person isn’t happy with who he or she is that filler or Botox will not fill the void or bring happiness.
North America extols youth and treats ageing like an ailment. Sometimes all the messages can erode our self-esteem and confidence if we let them. Even I started to subscribe to the youth cult until I took a step back and really thought about it. When I describe someone as beautiful, I am almost always commenting on their character and their achievements in life.
What is beauty? I believe it’s when your character shines through and touches others. Maya Angelou puts it best: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I would add that people will forget some physical traits.
It’s important you like what you see when you look in the mirror, but it’s even more important that you like who you see. If you love yourself, that love will flow out and will guide how you treat others.
So, go ahead and get that Botox and filler, but be prouder of what’s on the inside than what’s on the outside. For those of us who are well into middle age and can see the changes in our skin, remember all the incredible lessons you’ve learned over the years. We need to celebrate that wisdom and honour the experiences that furrowed our brows even if we choose to soften the lines.
On International Women’s Day, take a few minutes and make a list of some of your greatest achievements and celebrate who you are as a person. Tell the women how much they matter to you and how they keep you inspired.
I am grateful for all the women who fought for equality. Time’s have changed. My daughter never sees her gender as limiting in any way and I am proud to say she will keep up the good fight.
