On embracing so-called flaws

I saw this inspiring video on social media recently.

An attractive young woman talks about a piece of hate mail she received.

The woman runs a website to do with cooking. The hatemail advised her to dye her hair so that she didn't look like such an "old hag".

Firstly - I didn't even notice her few grey hairs until the camera zoomed in to make the point.

Secondly - she runs a cooking site. Not a hair dye site. Who cares if she has a few grey hairs?

The conclusion I came to rather quickly was that the person who sent her the hatemail - is the one who is concerned with their own ageing.

If you watch the video, and I highly recommend that you do - you will see that she answers with grace, honesty and beauty.

This woman has an auto-immune disorder. She may not be allowed to "get old" because of it. She embraces these signs of aging, and she encourages people to "rock their body... just as God made (them)." (Which to me says - don't kill yourself trying to fit into some cookie cutter form of what society says is appealing, just for the sake of living up to some photo-shopped, unrealistic expectation.)

I related to the video on a personal level. You see I have been toying with the idea of posting something similar for awhile.

I do not have the same issue this woman does. My issues are far less severe. But recently, at the age of 35, some things have been happening to me.

I broke a tooth. I also, have many grey hairs. I recently found out that I have gall stones and an inflamed gallbladder. I have been experiencing pain and stiffness that goes beyond "just aches and pains". I am awaiting the blood test to see if I have rheumatoid arthritis. (it runs in the family) . For a long time, I have been cruel in my attitudes toward my own body because it didn't look like I thought I wanted it to. In light of these recent events -- I was starting to be cruel in my attitudes toward my body because of these issues I'm experiencing.

But then I realized my body isn't the issue. It is doing the best it can with what it's given - just as I am as I go through life.

Of course, this post isn't meant to condemn anyone who is trying to make changes to their health or appearance. I'm currently stepping up exercise to remain more fit through winter and I actually do dye my greys away. But I do it because *I* feel better when I do it. Not because it will please someone who would, otherwise, call me a "hag".

I am happy to "rock my body... just as God made me" ahh, I just love what she has to say.. watch the video, it is inspiring.