Body Image and CT Scan of the Brain - results

On Friday night I had a couple of girlfriends over, we were talking about Nora Ephron and Michele mentioned one of her famous quotes:

“Oh, how I regret not having worn a bikini for the entire year I was twenty-six. If anyone young is reading this, go, right this minute, put on a bikini, and don't take it off until you're thirty-four.”

How true this quote is.  The three of us chatting are now in our late 40's and most people would say that all three of us are pretty vivacious attractive women, and on some days we may even agree with them, however all three of us didn't see what a great thing we had when we were younger.  What's with that?  Was it to protect the men out there?  I mean imagine what forces we women would have been if we'd had the confidence we do now at the age of 16, 21, 25 etc.  

This reminded me of a conversation I'd had with my mother a few days earlier.  We were talking about when women "come into their own" and start to truly love themselves and believe in themselves.  My mother said for her it didn't happen until she was in her late 50's.  For me it was in my late 30's.  I can only hope is that the pattern continues and that the daughters of today are getting that confidence in their teens.  It saddens me to see beautiful young girls like my daughter and her friends so worried about their looks and their weight.  Girls, don't you see how stunningly beautiful you all are.  No matter what you look like, you were made to be exactly who you are, you are beautiful and magnificent.  You don't need make up or diets or clothes to bring that out.  You need confidence and love and a strong sense of self worth.  Take it from someone who has been there and is now looking back.  If you can realize now how special and unique you are then you have such power.  No one can put you down, no one can make you feel bad about yourself because you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are great!  Embrace this now, and as you mature you will witness the many ways in which your body matures along with you.  When we are young we are fresh and alive, new spirits in this world and as we grow older our persona becomes defined.  The edges are more clear, the beauty radiates more and the combination of our confident inner self and our blossoming outer self is mind blowing.  Ask any man, there is nothing sexier than a strong, beautiful confident woman.  Embrace that, become that and never let it go.  There is nothing sadder than someone reaching old age and never having really lived the life they were meant to live with passion and integrity.

So grab some balls girls, listen to your mother and friends when they say you're beautiful and kind and wonderful.  Be that person!  Live a big large life!  Make it yours and make it fun!  As one of my favourite sayings goes (I changed it and put the "bubbly" in):  

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Glass of bubbly in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride".

Now get your butts out there girls and go live it!

Cheers,

Michelle

Result of CT Scan of the Brain:  I have my own private island.

Yep it's true, I have a "Brain Island" in my skull bone, so in a way, I have my own private island.  It's nothing to worry about, and yes they did also find a brain in there, so I'm in good shape top to bottom.  Just got to get rid of the pesky thing bugging my breast :-)

PS:  Here is a picture of me at 16 (I cannot believe I actually thought I was fat then?????)