I realized a few years ago that my desire and attempts to look a certain way were failing. It wasnât realistic, and it was making me feel inauthentic, empty, and unhappy. Cameras capture every thing, so itâs easy to dwell on imperfections. But thatâs not how people experience you. Itâs not how others think about you or see you. Imagine how critical you are of yourself and imagine someone else being that critical of another person. Youâd think thereâs something wrong with them! Who focuses on a personâs looks that much! Get a life you misery!
Thatâs how we treat ourselves. Thereâs an epidemic happening where everyone wants and is going out and getting the same face. The same body. Itâs so boring. Your âflawsââas society has taught you to think about themâare not flaws. They make you unique. Memorable. They make you beautiful. To love yourself is active resistance in an economy fueled by obsession over flaws and unhappiness.
One of the actors in White Lotus, Aimee Lou Woods has some objectively flawed teeth. But thatâs what makes her so unique, so special. So cute! They make her attractive because sheâs unapologetic about them.
Embracing my big goofy smile and big ears and crinkled crows feet makes me feel comfortable in my own skin. That feeling is so powerful. It spreads to other parts of your life and attracts people to you. Itâs how you carry yourself, how you move in the world, engage with other peopleâ not how you look.