The May cover of InStyle Magazine features Amy Schumer, looking glamorous as she floats on her back in a swimming pool. I too have a recent photo of myself floating in a pool. There is a slight difference as I didn’t have a team of professionals at my shoot (thanks Jerry!) but I like my mermaid photos just fine.
My skin is no longer youthful and taut, but when I go swimming in a public pool I figure my body is just part of the tribe of women; some older, some younger, some thin, some not. I have a feeling Amy would feel the same way. I think we have a lot in common.
In her InStyle interview Amy speaks out about shame. “Is it fat-shaming if you know you’re not fat and have zero shame in your game? I don’t think so. I am strong and proud of how I live my life and say what I mean and fight for what I believe in and I have a blast doing it with the people I love. Where’s the shame? It’s not there. It’s an illusion.”
Does bad body fever and aging shame keep you from experiencing the full beauty of your life?
Amy is also not interested in Botox or filler. “I can’t imagine a moment when I will need filler for my face, as if it needs to be filled,” she said. “Can we unfill this? Let’s get an emptier (for my cheeks).”
So much of the beauty conversation has evolved to “fixing” what is “unacceptable.” Fortunately, enhancing your personal style can be a joyful experience. Spending time (and yes, money) on how you present yourself is a creative, life-affirming process that allows you to celebrate who you have become. It honors your evolution and your unique beauty exactly as it is now. It’s the shame-less way to care for your appearance.
Authenticity is your playbook. Pleasure and passion will always guide you forward. As your new summer top slips off your shoulder, smile, toss your head, and sashay toward loving kindness, for yourself and all the beautiful shameless women around you. Amy and I will see you at the pool.
I loved this piece Jennifer. These our messages women of all ages need to embrace. And it’s wonderful that an image consultant is not purely focused on looking younger or wearing the latest clothing or makeup looks. Bravo.
Thank you, Donna. I hope women will rediscover that clothing and makeup can be joyful and creative.
Jennifer,
You can ad me to list of hell nos re body shame. In the spirit of the Japanese term “wabi sabi” there is nothing to fix, only acceptance [of the imperfect].
Wonderful blog, Jennifer.
Mermaids are ageless!
Thank you, Denise. Wabi Sabi finds beauty in imperfection. We call it character. I want all women to be empowered by their choices.
Love this Jennifer!
Thanks Medley, I’m so glad. You’re welcome to post it on Pryme.
Well said Jennifer! Women find themselves with a new challenge everyday,. Personally I have been chasing a unknown skin problem, that didn’t exist two months ago, nor at anytime in my life! I shall heed your words, follow my intuition, take myself back….
As long as you continue to look for the right treatment, Julee, you will find it. That’s how I recovered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by not giving up.
THANK YOU. I WAS ALWAYS PICKED ON WHEN I WAS SKINNY AND. NOW I’M BIG FROM HAVING KIDS AND. A CAR WRECK BUT I’M LOSING SOME WRIGHT AND. DON’T. FEEL HAPPY WITH BODY MOM ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL AWFUL ABOUT ME
I agree with all of you for the most part. I’ve accepted the many physical changes that have taken place—overnight, it seems. I wouldn’t say I love them but I own them, whether I’m happy to see them or not (usually not) and they’re a part of having lived 82 years. But I do have a word to say about Botox. I would absolutely use it in a New York minute, if the effects lasted for more than a month. I still feel mostly like the same person I’ve always been, but why should I have to look at my face in the mirror each morning and see Grand Canyon crevasses? My face is the front part of me, it encounters the world and I personally believe it should remain not dewy (was it ever?) but the first page of my story. (Ew, that sounds like bad 1960s encounter group BS.) I’m still me, no matter how I look to others. But I know I’d feel more like me if I could lose the timelines, which serve absolutely no useful purpose.
I confess: I’m a wrinkle shamer. So what: It’s part of my covfefe.