Hair raising issue- January 10, 2013
As a teenager I would stand at my bedroom mirror with a copy of Seventeen magazine propped up so I could see step-by-step how to style my hair with one of their umpteen “Get Gorgeous” or “Hot Hair” tutorials. I’m not sure why I remember one issue in particular. Maybe it’s because I spent a great deal of time modeling my ‘do after a model’s in that issue. Alicia Silverstone was on the cover.
Ah! There it is. Thanks Google.
July, 1995. That would have been a month before my 14th birthday and two months before I started high school. I bet I had watched reruns of MTV Spring Break that day. I wonder if I logged on to my America Online account that morning before ballet class? Probably. I no doubt took magazine quizzes to find out my dating style, even though I had never been on an actual date. Basically, I was at the height of my adolescent insecurity and unknowingly headed straight for full-on teen angst and a diagnosed eating disorder in another year-and-a-half.
I think I remember trying for something new that summer. I was headed for a new school, high school, so obviously a new hairstyle was in order. No matter how many times I pulled my turquoise and magenta paddle brush through my hair, I couldn’t get it just right. I would frown and say something to my reflection like, “Ugh! I hate my hair!” I slammed the magazine shut and stared at Alicia Silverstone in all her mid-nineties coolness.
Whenever the issue of beauty magazines and women’s body image comes up, I think of that issue of Seventeen.
Fast-forward 17 years to the other night. I went through the Health and Fitness part of Pinterest to get some inspiration for working out and shedding a few holiday pounds. Later, I stood at the bathroom mirror with my iPad propped against the mirror, trying to do my hair like a woman in a Pinterest hair tutorial. I stared at my 31-year-old reflection, getting further frustrated that I suck at elegant loose fishtail braids. Instantly Alicia Silverstone popped in my mind. I looked at myself and shook my head loose of my attempted braid.
I thought of my two-year-old daughter and my pledge to not obsess over weight and appearance. Yeah, I weigh more now than I ever have now that I have a desk job, but I’m healthy. My husband and I decided awhile ago not to describe people as “fat”, “skinny”, “chunky”, or “chubby” around our daughter there’s really no reason for it.
Just then she came in. She was giggling and proudly showing me her full belly after dinner. I closed my Pinterest app and scooped her up. I said to her. “Charlotte, you are so beautiful! You have a beautiful, strong, healthy body. Do you love your body?” She smiled and said, “Ya! Lob my bodee!” I smiled and instantly dismissed all the negative things I think about my appearance. Whether it was 1995 Seventeen magazine or 2013 Pinterest, it seemed silly and I scaled back my weight loss resolutions. I said “Mama loves her body too!”
Spread it around:
This post was such a wonderful reminder! I too spent hours pouring over teen mags and even struggled with an eating disorder in my twenties. I decided at 29 to love my body but it’s so easy to slip back into the obsessive scrutinizing. I want both of my girls to love their bodies and it’s up to me to model that
Bravo!
Thanks! That’s my goal! Your girls have beautiful, strong bodies too. ::hugs::
Amy, As one of you sorority sisters, you might think I was favoring your blog… I totally can relate to your state of mind. Having, eating/image issue in the past, I am overly aware of the things that may plague my daughter. I appreciate your playfullness and look forward to keeping you on my reading list in the future.
Thanks for this Amy. I really like that your teaching C to live her body- hope I can Di the same for my girls too.
I love this.
Mostly because there are so many times I wish I looked like you, that I had your body or your face or your ability to makeup & hair & always look perfectly put-together. You manage it so effortlessly & I think that makes you even MORE beautiful – that you have no freakin’ clue.
Charlotte is so lucky to have you. Your past will not be her future, but she’s still getting the very best of what made you the women you’ve become.
xoxo.
Thanks BA! I’m getting all teary over here. That means a lot. You have no idea. I love you, friend! Thanks!
so, so precious!!! love those mommy learning moments!! Thanks for linking up and sharing today!
Thanks! It’s amazing what they teach us, isn’t it?
This is brilliant! Thank you!
Thanks! I appreciate it. Happy Friday!
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