It's Not Real!

Well, here is an eye opener.  So many women are trying to be something that is not real! Watch this video.  It is so sad that we have allowed the "beauty" industry to manipulate us and an entire society.  Let's stop it here and now by affirming that we are each beautiful in our own unique way.  

I send you new eyes to appreciate true beauty with, the sound of wind chimes ringing in the distance and the scent of lilacs wafting through your bedroom window tonight.

Beauty Pressure

Let's take a moment and forget about ourselves.  There is a new generation growing up that is still being exposed to society's warped version of the female body.  It has been and continues to be a shame that we still buy into this allowing the next generation of girls to be exposed to this propaganda, the same that gave us our body issues.  Watch this video - Beauty Pressure - then talk to your granddaughters, daughters, nieces and friends about the message.

Today I send you the dream of a world that treasures and respects females, soft music, the scent of lavender on your pillow and the strength to make a difference.

Wrinkles

What a fabulous video - Why Worry About Wrinkles!  "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been" - Mark Twain
It's not aging, it's living!  So stop bemoaning the lines.  Smile more, LAUGH.  Stop fighting the process and relax.

And one more - Wisdom.  Don't let anyone say we don't gain wisdom, beauty and deep insight as we grow older.  Each one of these people are interesting, insightful and comfortable in their own skin.  Listen to their words as you look at their faces.  Wow!

I send you a new understanding of the word beauty, more warm lazy days, a bouquet of wild flowers with a heavenly aroma and the opportunity to do what you love.

Ads

Okay, I think most advertisements are obnoxious untruths.  Check this one out.  Maybe I have to rethink my bias.  Hurray for Dove and what they are trying to do.  Any other Company ready to step up and do the same?  WE ARE BEAUTFUL!!  I read the ad was banned in the US for showing too much skin.  Oh, my!

I send you affirmations that you are beautiful as you age, aromas of fresh baked bread and the heartfelt wish that all is well in your life.

Loving Yourself

What would it be like to love yourself through every age?  To actually be proud of the age you are today?  It's just a number yet we give it so much power over us.  Let it go.  Give yourself permission to be beautiful and you will see a transformation.  Remember that you will never be younger than you are right now.  Go out and play.  Read something that will affirm your beauty and strength.  Surround yourself with people who value your worth.  Nurture yourself.  Let the falling leaves of Autumn remind you that change is always happening.  Laugh, laugh, laugh.

I send you eyes to love what you see in the looking glass, a deep cleansing breath, a sacred act of kindness, laughter over a hot cup of tea, the sound of a contented kitten.

Women to Women

I think this is fabulous!

Declaration of Interdependence

                  by BJ Gallagher and Lisa Hammond

We hold these truths to be self-evident:

That all women are created equal -

but each is blessed with different gifts and talents.

That all women are endowed with certain individual rights -

but each must assume shared responsibilities.

For the happiness of all

depends on the commitment of each

to support equality and individuality,

rights and responsibilities.

We declare all women to be mutually interdependent -

banding together to support one another,

sharing our experience, strength, and hope,

that all may enjoy life, love,

and the pursuit of laughter.

We agree to encourage one another in tough times

and celebrate in good times.

We commit to taking turns leading and following,

inspiring and teaching,

listening and learning.

We agree to give credit where credit is due -

including us.

We commit to loving ourselves first -

because we can't give what we don't have.

With this Declaration of Interdependence,

we set ourselves free -

free from old beliefs that are no longer true,

free from self-doubt, insecurity, and loneliness,

free from self-imposed perfectionism.

We set ourselves free -

heeding our intuition in all her guises,

loving our bodies through every change,

finding our voices to speak our own truths.

We set ourselves free -

to create fulfilling work,

to form nurturing families,

and to build great friendships.

We are strong;

we are beautiful;

we are generous;

we are wise.

We are women -

committed to creating

a world that affirms us all.

             Copyright © 2010 Simple Truths, LLC

Yahooo!!

OH, THANK GOODNESS, IT'S NOT JUST ME! was written by BJ Gallagher, and Lisa Hammond, founder and owner of Femail Creations catalog.  I have always loved her catalog and her book is wonderful too.



Laughter

There is always something simple we can do to help ourselves feel better.  We can exercise, take a warm bath, read a good book, call a friend, take a nap, watch an uplifting movie and even just laugh.  There is always something to laugh at even if it is just ourselves.  We need to take ourselves less seriously and have a deep belly laugh at least once a day even if we are alone.  Check out this article on the health benefits of laughter.  It's time to be silly!  Life is too short!  Don't let another day pass where you don't look for laughter and happiness.  Then spread it around.  Be silly, make people laugh, dance in the street, wear outlandish clothes.  Once my sister and I stopped at a Starbucks for a latte then walked backwards around the block drinking them.  People smiled and we met someone new.  Don't be afraid to stand out.  Laugh!  You are never too old to laugh, just do it.

I send you an unexpected belly laugh, a train ride through lovely scenery, kind thoughts for the person you are unhappy with and an adventure with a grandchild.

Healthy at 100

I am going to recommend this book again, Healthy at 100.  John Robbins looks into the secrets of living a long and fulfilling life.  He studies different cultures that have the oldest, healthiest people. 
In Abkhasia, when people lie about their age, instead of making themselves younger as is common in this country, they exaggerate how old they are.  This gives them greater standing in their community.

In the last chapter Robbins lists things we can do to be healthier: laugh often, talk about what matters to you, take time to meditate, respect all life, never underestimate your power to make a difference, be grateful and the list goes on...




Today I send you much to laugh about, a secret journal for your dreams, a field of red carnations and a friend to share a wish with.

Could Aging Be Good For Women

You need to read this article.  "Old age is not just about surviving, it's about flourishing. There is increasing evidence that most women feel a greater sense of fulfillment, self-actualization, reaching their peak- whatever you want to call it-as they grow older."  What a concept! There is freedom, confidence and fulfillment in our aging years.  So let go and enjoy the journey.

Today I send you fits of laughter, an imagination filled with fantasies, time for two lattes this weekend and the strength to delve into the unexplored region of your heart.

Another Delightful Story

Kris Radish is my favorite author. She writes for women about women. The common thread in all her books is the importance of having women friends for support, guidance, play and wisdom. It is so important as we age, to have close female relationships. This book is about Annie Freeman who, when she found out she was dying, planned her own funeral. After her death, through letters and directions, she collected her friends and set them on a journey of discovery and love. It will warm your heart, make you cry and show you what female communion is all about.