What I love about myself: My sense of humor – I always laugh at my own jokes.
My biggest challenge in accepting my body and beauty: Dressing room mirrors – they can be very evil. I would also put censor packaging on tabloid magazines – they perpetuate the most obnoxious ideas and standards of beauty and success, and unfortunately they are easy to read for young children who are often in tow of their parents at the grocery store, so at an early age they begin to learn a skewed definition of “beautiful”.
My biggest support in learning to appreciate myself: Most definitely my participation as a coach with Girls On The Run. Being a coach requires self confidence and as a coach I’m a role model to the girls in my program. Kids are incredibly intuitive and can tell when you aren’t being honest with them and my girls hold me to the same – if not higher – expectations that I ask of them, which is to lead a healthy lifestyle, remain physically active, serve your community, and always promise to do your best. If I can accomplish these things then I am a good person – and totally worth appreciating – even if I have a bad day shopping for clothes!!
Beauty is: Our differences. We are quickly becoming a very boring species because so many people are hiding their individuality by acting and trying to look like someone else. If this is you, please stop and be yourself. The world needs you!
Why I am strong: Because I’m stubborn…
Why I am beautiful: Because I have a mole on my chin, my left eye is squinty when I smile really big, my teeth are crooked, my freckles show when I’ve been in the sun, my body shape is average, and my thighs rub together when I run. But I still love to smile because my dimples are so big you don’t notice my crooked teeth or squinty eye. I like my freckles because they remind me of all the fun I just had outside – in the sunshine! And I humor myself on long runs – smiling no doubt – at the thought of my body spontaneously combusting from the unrelenting friction between my thighs and a thin layer of synthetic fiber. I’m laughing now at the very thought and I love it!
What women must know: Be your own inspiration.
Awesome Anna, nice to meet you! I love your hair! What you said about beauty, “please stop and be yourself,” is excellent advice. 🙂