No Purchase Necessary

taring into a mirror, moving closer and closer, I observe every inch of my face. We’ve been taught to find every small imperfection, tear it apart, and then search for something to buy to fix it.

There’s always a new cream, mask, or light therapy treatment for your skin imperfections. Surgery, shots, and the newest exercise trend can be purchased to make you lose weight. One second something is marketed until everyone feels we must have it, then people change their minds and tell you how bad or ineffective it is so they can sell you the next thing.

A few wrinkles are gross- get some Botox.

Going natural is unprofessional- wear more makeup.

Any body over 140 lbs is obese- better get The Shot.

It’s not a new thing to be led to believe you’re never enough. We moved from crash diets and living off cigarettes and coffee to the new trends- more protein, no less carbs, no it’s fiber!

Everyone wants you to believe there is something wrong with you, but don’t worry you can buy something to fix it.

Women with smile lines are called “old” because their face doesn’t look like a porcelain doll. 

Letting your hair turn grey is “gross” and “unattractive”.

Accepting the way your body changes at different stages of your life is basically a sin.

Why don’t you want to look smaller? Be skinnier? Take up less space?

Why would you want to be a few pounds heavier, be mentally stable, and look your age?

I spent my time hyper fixated on my looks. I did unhealthy things to fit into a box society had brainwashed me into believing made me enough. But at my smallest I was also my unhealthiest. And believe it or not I was my unhappiest. 

As I’ve matured and started thinking for myself rather than accepting whatever propaganda is forced on us women each and every day, I’ve changed what I view as important.

The desire for a small body has changed into a strong body that can keep up with life and my kid.

The desire to be the prettiest has become feeling comfortable in my own skin, with or without makeup (cause I do enjoy having fun with that from time to time.)

The need for acceptance and being liked by everyone has transformed into knowledge of what’s important, and sticking to my morals.

I don’t need to purchase a self help guide, another expensive skin care line, weight loss tips or a personal trainer.

I need time doing things that make me happy. A bit of sun and some moisturizer. Movement that makes me happy and whole foods that give my body what it needs- and an occasional side of treats to keep me sane.

We are force fed propaganda to make us feel imperfect. Tricked into quick fix purchases that rarely work. Led to overlook what has worked for thousands and thousands of years.

Consistent movement. Sunlight. Real food. Time.

Not everything is a problem. If you want to fix something about yourself to feel better in your skin, awesome. But let’s stop doing it to try and make others accept us. 

I don’t think less of people I know because of their looks. I care for the people I do because of their personalities, their character, their heart. 

If I’m not important to you because my face is bare, my weight is a little higher, I have less fashionable clothes- cool.

Do what makes you happy, but do it for you- not because you think it will make others see you differently.

I’m finding what makes me happy, what keeps me healthy, and what makes my world brighter.

And I’m learning this can all happen with just a little time and effort. No purchase necessary.