Be Kind To Yourself (Especially on Oscar Sunday)
Guys! This Sunday is Oscar Sunday! This is like Super Bowl Sunday, but totally more fun to watch!
I fully intend on sitting glued to my TV watching 3 hours of Live from the Red Carpet specials, then the full 3 hours of the Academy Awards broadcast, followed by 2 hours of Fashion Police on Monday evening recapping the entire event. I love every minute of it…the glamour, the beauty, the FASHION…
But being enthralled with pop culture and the near-perfection that celebrity lives appear to be can lead to negative self-talk, lowered self-esteem, and unrealistic expectations.
Even though I know it takes restrictive habits, extreme dieting and cleanses to look like most A-list celebs do in curve-hugging designer duds, I still find myself staring at my TV, ogling at the glam in action. I am an educated woman who knows better, but what is a young tween or teen supposed to think when they see stick-thin celebs blasted all over the media?
Granted, there has been a recent spike in photoshop awareness, a la Cindy Crawford’s recent exposure from a photo shoot last year. Even so, our self-image tends to be fragile when we compare ourselves to the bombardment of perfection on never-ending glossy pages.
Although Us [magazine] will tell you “they’re just like Us,” sometimes it’s hard to see through the glitz, charm, and jewels. Since it can be difficult to remember the fantasy that is the reality of celebrity culture, it’s a good time for a pep talk:
Be kind to yourself.
You’re awesome and watching superficial beauty shouldn’t change your mind or make you think any less of yourself!
While you’re binge watching all things Academy Awards this weekend, keep unrealistic expectations at bay by remembering why being YOU is best. And if you have a tween/teen in your life, remind them too!
One size does not fit all.
In L.A. it seems that one size fits all is a size 0. Contrary to what pop culture tells us, a size zero is not made for every body, nor is it desired by everyone. Sometimes it takes a lot more effort, willpower, unhealthy behaviors than Hollywood’s skinniest stars let on to fit into a dress. Yes, some people are naturally thin and treat their bodies right by exercising and eating a balanced diet, but all of Hollywood? I don’t think so.
Don’t let the flood of bone-thin celebs encourage unhealthy thoughts and/or behaviors. Remember, a healthy body is one that is properly nourished, cared for, and balanced.
Industry standards are not the norm…
…so stop comparing yourself.
Example: Size 8 models are “plus size.” ‘Nuff said.
You are not your job.
Looking good is in the job description for Hollywood’s elite. Just remember the glam squad it takes, the thousands of dollars spent, and the behind the scenes treatments you don’t know about that lets your favorite A-lister appear flawless.
Maybe you chose to teach kids, help sick people, or keep criminals off the streets. While all of these professions are admirable, they do not define you. Remember that walking the red carpet is in the job description for Hollywood’s best.
Looks can be deceiving.
You never know what’s underneath the layers of makeup, spanx, and push up bras, so stop comparing yourself to “them.”
Instead of pinpointing what you don’t have that “they” do, focus on your strengths. Look yourself [in the mirror] up and down, inside and out, and tell yourself 3 things you love about your body, mind, and soul!
Competition is healthy.
Darwin taught us that survival of the fittest is what keeps our population strong and evolving. So when nominees say, “I’m really just happy to be nominated,” I grit my teeth and want to scream “LIAR!” at the TV (and this is coming from someone who stopped playing high school sports because they were too intense and competitive). Yes, I know you’re beyond thrilled to get the highest honor in all of acting land, but why can’t you just say you want to win? It’s normal…and I don’t think anyone would hold that against you!
Don’t let Hollywood’s play nice facade discourage you from going after a promotion, competition, etc. whole heartedly…it’s humanly NORMAL to want to win.
Exposure to unrealistic beauty ideals takes place on a daily basis and influences our opinions, beliefs, and attitudes about ourselves. While we can’t completely escape our culture that listlessly compares people, we can consciously remind ourselves that being US is what makes us awesome! You’re real, with all your baggage, and you should love yourself for that!
Be kind to yourself,
XO
P.S…If you’re looking for a great Oscars party app, try my Baked Avocado Egg Rolls!