Hey It’s Whitney again,
March is usually about the Irish, but I think that this year we should celebrate a different holiday. March is also Women’s History Month, so lets celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th! What a great time to celebrate being a woman!
I’m very fortunate to have grown up in a family surrounded by strong females. Some might say a little too strong. I had 3 older sisters all out of the house by the time I was in preschool, so I got the wonderful experience of being raised by 4 mothers. If you add in the fact that I spent a lot of time in my sisters hair salon, you can start to see that I never lacked for the female perspective. I received a lot of advice on everything.
How do we celebrate this month? I vote we share our secrets with each other! I know some men might be confused because I’m sure they think we share everything, but I have found that as women we tend to hold onto some things. I think it’s a mix of wanting to appear to be in control and thinking no-one is interested.
You may be thinking “What is she talking about? My friends and I talk about everything!” It is true that we have gotten so much better than just a few years ago when it would have been unladylike to discuss topics like women’s health, menopause and sex. What I’m talking about though is the real taboo. Our flaws and what it really takes to be a beautiful strong woman today. That means coming clean about our struggles and the extra measures we have taken to keep it all together. I think we are still doing a disservice to the next generation by not sharing our imperfections and how we have learned to deal with or fix them.
Take a little time to think about things you've learned and celebrate the holiday by sharing your insights as strong accomplished women with others.
With this in mind, I set down and wrote advice to my younger self.
If you would like to read it, just click the Women's Day image above.
Dear Whitney, Here is some advice from 2023 and your 52 year old shelf!
Your Mother is right!! Listen to her!
Ok, not everything she tells you is on point. But you will be amazed at how many things she is right about. It's true that real beauty and most of your beauty problems start with your health. I know that in the 80’s it's not the common thought, and you think there is a chemical out there that will fix it all, but like anything it’s not that easy. There's no quick fix. Most of your cosmetic problems will be solved by fixing the cause, not covering it up.
Being attractive and beautiful are two different things.
Please pay more attention to your social skills. It is a skill that you can use in any situation and it is what will really attract people to you. Also know that it gets much harder to change as you get older.
Oil is your Friend!!
I know you think that because you have acne oil will break you out, but that is not the case. You are doing more harm than good stripping your skin. Never use soap of any kind on your face! And you do not need to shampoo every day! Your natural oil is the best natural defense you have in keeping your skin and hair healthy, and to fight aging. In the future, oil will help you with most of your beauty concerns, from your head to your toes.
You do not need to be perfect!
People will relate to you more if you show a few of your flaws. I know the women around you look like they can do it all, but they can't. Down the road you’ll learn a differnt way to live and what a truely wealthy life can look like. Hint- it's not all about the $$. Please remember you don’t have to struggle in silence, just ask for help.
Never let yourself get a sunburn !!!
Don’t be afraid of the sun but be smart. You'll find like with most things, it's about moderation.
You’re right about NO plastic surgery, but there is nothing graceful about aging. At least for women.
Trust me, you’ll be willing to try a few things when you wake up one day and don’t recognize yourself in the mirror and YES! it really seems to happen that fast.
The bumps on your arms are not dry skin.
All the lotion in the world will not rid you of them. Even the doctor will not help you. Again, mom was right. Go to your pantry and get olive oil and sugar, make a scrub and use it daily in the shower along with your lotion. Your skin will be baby soft in couple of weeks!
Take the long way.
I know you hate to take the time to exercise and that doesn't change with time. So learn to walk when you can, take the stairs, park all the way at the end of the lot and add little exercises to your daily routine. Like 20 squats every time you use the lady's room. As you age you can do up to 100 swats a day. LOL Just remember, don't always take the easy way.
Your hair is not growing long because it’s breaking off.
Not cutting your hair to grow it longer only works if your hair is healthy. If it’s healthy you can trim it every 3-4 months, only taking about a 1/2 inch. But if your hair is colored, or has split ends all the way along the hair shaft, you will need to get your hair trimmed more often, taking only a 1/4 inch each time. Again, healthy is the key.
You can’t always look like you do now and you don’t want to.
First off, 80’s fashion has its charm, but trust me you are going to be horrified when you look back at some of the photos. Everyone wants to look like they did when they were younger, but your coloring and bone structure will change so your hair color will not work later on. Only worry about what works for you at the present and leave the past in the past because the 80's will be back (a few times).
Take a little time to think about things you've learned and celebrate the holiday by sharing your insights as strong accomplished women with others.