“Don't try to fix me, I'm not broken...”― Evanescence

As I searched the make-up aisles in two stores today simply trying to find something to apply make-up to my daughters for an upcoming recital I realized why I generally despise having to get fixed up because I am a girl. I have never been over the top with make-up. As a matter of fact I can still hear one of my bridesmaids offering to finish up my make-up the day of my wedding because we all know I don't know much about it. I think it is because I have worn cover up or concealer since I hit puberty and was (as my grandma tells me) blessed with the Buckingham skin. I am now close to half way through my 30's and still must use prescription medicine to keep my acne under control. (So much for growing out of it like I was told I would.) I do try to remember to put my face on each day, but I have noticed with each girl I add to the family, the less time I spend on me. I have even realized half way to work I forgot to put on my cover-up and am completely- just me.

As I sat on the floor tonight and painted finger and toe nails with all three of my girls, I loved joining in on the giggles, but it made me wonder - what am in for as my girls continue to grow up? I have already muddled my way through two dance recitals, but could be in for 18 more - not to mention six proms and three weddings! I can only hope they will pick up some tips to teach me along the way!

 

It does make me wonder why we have to 'make-up' our looks in society? What is wrong with the way we are? Why are trying to look like someone else?

I spent most of my teen years with low self-esteem, being tormented with such names as pizza and crater face. I have seen the lowest part of life during postpartum depression when I truly believed for a little while that my family might be better off without me. The mind can be a very powerful force and I have seen the worst of it. I NEVER want my girls to feel this way, but how do we change a society that believes thin, blond, and beautiful are the best traits? I wish I had a magic answer, but all I can do is hope they will listen to me (better than I did to my mom) when I tell them it wouldn't be fun if we were all the same. Or is that a life lesson you must learn on your own?

The 'tail' end - what do you do with your kids to make them realize they are best to be who they are and not worry about what others think of them?