I've followed Em Ford of My Pale Skin for a little while now. Her latest video "You Look Disgusting" provides highly disturbing realities for "Success on Social Media" and the harsh critics you are exposed to every second of the day.
I can so relate to the struggles of acne. I've dealt with cystic acne on and off for about 8 years. Days of not wearing makeup? Typically are saved for at home. A workout class? I need at least a tinted moisturizer on. SOMETHING to cover up my scars...my redness. When I have a cyst or inflammation? Well thats another story entirely, and feel as if without makeup, every single person is looking directly at my imperfections.
To come to a place of acceptance with your skin, with what you look like with nothing but moisturizer on is emotionally trying- but is reality. I know I am a beautiful person inside and out. I don't need to attach to this ideal of having to look "free of imperfections." To honor the fact that my skin has nothing to do WHO I AM. What a liberating thing.
Em Ford, I applaud you and your strength. You've moved mountains in your own acceptance and willingness to share your experiences with all those who are watching. Thank you.
So the deeper issue-The internet trolls. What does it have to come to? Why do we have SUCH EXTREMES? Why do people feel the need to tear each other down, instead of lift each other up? Why is it, that women have to face this FOREVER IMPOSSIBLE TO MEET image of what they should be, look like, act like? Whose right is it to thrash someone's declaration of self acceptance? What is going through someones mind when they feel the need to commit to writing a nasty comment that serves no purpose but to bring someone down. Is this how they feel about themselves? Can we ever change this cycle?
On the flip side- The approval and praise we receive when we "look" good. In Em Ford's video "You Look Disgusting," we see the double ended sword of the beauty industry, and how conflicting our messages can make one feel. That you need to always have your "face" on to be accepted.
Such impossible standards to ever meet.
I work in the beauty industry, and the fact that I have complete ability to make or break someones confidence, just by a snip of a scissor. How have we given so much emotional weight to our looks?
I truly enjoy getting ready, getting dressed up and "putting myself together." I believe the image you present is an act of self expression, an artistic presentation of what makes you feel the most like YOU. What I feel we need to examine is the focus we put into others images- the need to compare and judge. The new standards that get created like quicksand on Instagram, filtered and perfected. The comments and judgements that are expressed; then, like a magnet attaches itself the the conflicted reader whose fighting her own battles.
Mindfulness is so powerful, truly thinking before you speak, or post. Observe your thoughts- are they really your truth? What do we truly believe? Would you want someone to say the same things to you? The age old- "Treat others how you would like to be treated" rings true here.
I'd love to discuss, do you feel the need to perfect your image or struggle with the never ending standards of "New Beauty" that influence us at every available moment? How do you practice self acceptance?
With LOVE, with gratitude, with humility-
Brittany