Happy Birthday Mom

We recently celebrated my mom's birthday and I have been reflecting on her a lot.

I am really glad that my mom is a natural woman. She has long GREY hair and doesn't wear a ton of makeup. No plastic surgery. She is heavy-set but very comfortable in her own skin. I've never known my mom to diet or obsess about her weight. She enjoys her food.

Over the years, I have seen many women that seemed "flashy" beautiful, but when you got to know them, they were deeply insecure and increasingly less beautiful. As my mother has aged, I feel like she only gets more beautiful.

I really hope that I (or my daughter) never get to the point in our life where we are willing to sacrafice our safety or health in the name of beauty. I like to take care of myself, but plastic surgery disgusts me because it has become an industry that preys on the insecurities of women. I find it so sad that women would take any unneccessary risks. All of us have our beauty, and I do believe it comes from within. No matter how hard you strive to be beautiful, the most beautiful sights are usually women who are not trying - and are laughing or smiling.

Happy birthday mom - and thank you for giving me strength by always putting the focus on the inside. Your kindness and light shine through you, and we are all better for it.