14 DAY TRIAL // Today, March 8, 2014 is International Women’s Day. In various countries, this means anything from celebrating women’s political, economic or social achievements, to honoring them for being the amazing nurturing human beings they are.
In my country, March 8 doubles as Mother’s Day so, since I was very young, I knew this was the perfect day to show mom how special she was to me because, obviously, I did have days when I forgot to let her know that. It’s not that I considered her any less amazing, I just forgot to show her that I knew.
In many other territories, all women are celebrating, whether they’re moms or not. So, before you go out for a well-deserved treat (which you would have deserved either way), or before you go out to buy your special lady friend something to remember this by, let’s take a moment to bring down some of the most popular myths about women.
For some reason I still can’t properly wrap my brains around, women are supposed to be perfect at all times. We’re supposed to always behave “nicely,” to always dress appropriate to the occasion, to have a full face of makeup on and to be nice to other people no matter the circumstance. We’re supposed to be perfect cooks, excellent around the house with a vacuum and, just as important, damn fine at our jobs.
We should always be in good shape, be able to make gorgeous babies, and know how to keep a man happy. At least, that’s what society has been telling us. This isn’t a complaint: it’s just stating the facts; I know society has evolved and things have improved for women on all these aspects, but let’s not kid ourselves in saying that there’s no pressure on women to always be at the top of their game, whatever that means.
If this isn’t enough pressure to live by, there’s an entire industry that capitalizes on this “need” we must comply to, that of being perfect. It’s not necessarily unexpected for this to have happened, but it is surprising that there still are many women who buy into the lies of the companies focused on this niche.
So, again, before you head out the door to enjoy yourself on this special day, girl, sit down. Let’s chat for a while.
There is no such thing as a miracle diet that will get you into that new dress in time for that important function. Not if you don’t want to ruin your health altogether. If you want to look good and feel good, you need to do it slowly, day by day, by changing your eating habits. Discipline is the solution, not cheating.
There is no miracle device that can help you lose weight while watching your favorite TV show. Nothing in life can be achieved without hard work or, at least, nothing that can stand the test of time. Don’t kid yourself.
There is no “guiltless” treat. Chocolate is so popular precisely because it’s tasty so, if you take away some of the ingredients that make it so irresistible, you’re basically not eating chocolate anymore. Again, discipline and moderation can help you maintain your figure, so eat some when you really want to, don’t make yourself feel even worse by choosing substitutes.
There is no such thing as a miracle cream that will banish the wrinkles even before they are visible to the naked eye. First of all, if they’re not visible, they’re not there. Secondly, any kind of good moisturizer is a “miracle” cream, so don’t throw your money out the window just because X company affords to pay Y celebrity to endorse them.
There is no “perfect” man. Stop making lists and checking items on it while waiting for your “perfect” man: just go out, get to know new people, have fun, connect, grow up and eventually you will learn that we are all perfect – just different in our beautiful and unique ways. Who your better half ends up is a matter of chemistry, at the end of the day.
There is no perfect shoe. Choose comfort or choose style but don’t delude yourself that you can somehow find a compromise between these two that is comfortable and stylish in equal measure. Shoemakers will say anything to sell their high heels but, if you like them, brace yourself for sore feet.
There is no such thing as “natural-looking makeup.” Makeup either is applied to the face or it isn’t, in which case you’re all-natural. Sure, you can go for something lighter but if you can see it in direct sunlight, then it’s definitely there. And it’s not natural-looking.
There is no “perfect you.” Because you’re perfect just the way you are and the way you want to be. Learn to love yourself the way you are, with the good and the bad together. Improve on what you consider flaws and work on your pros to expand them. Stop trying to be what other people want you to be, and just be whoever you feel best as, whether that involves pink butterflies or driving tanks in the army.
Whatever you do, remember this: girl, you rock!
