Reality... Check

I was reading the latest issue of In Style magazine and oogling over the clothes and the Hollywood crowd, and the shoes, and the beautiful bodies, and the extravagant living. I get sucked in just like the rest of the world. But I had to take a moment and have a reality check. I'll share it with you.

These men and women make a ridiculous amount of money and obviously spend most of it on themselves. They are scrutinized by the media (and by us) and have to spend most of their time creating the facade of being "perfect."

They have personal trainers and nutritionists. They have cosmetic surgery and if that doesn't help, they can be airbrushed for magazine photos (eg. In Style). They are being constantly compared to every other musician or actor in the spotlight and at some point the only place to go is down.

Now we may be hard on ourselves, but I'm guessing your life doesn't look quite like that. You may want to impress your circle of friends or neighbors, but the pressure is coming from you, not them.

So when you feel like you just can't compare to the magazines, remember that it's not reality. We would look hot too if someone did our hair and make-up and wouldn't let us eat anything with calories, carbs, caffeine, carbonation, fat or salt. So, in reality, we are hot. As hot as a mom who loves her husband, kids, and life can be. Because that's what makes you beautiful: love for life.

When you are loving, thoughtful, generous, and sincere: you are beautiful. When you take care of yourself and your family because you are content: you are desirable.

Don't waste your time comparing yourself to what the media focuses on, it's merely a distraction from all of the good in your life. Enjoy it!