By Jen
At the start of every year the common trend seems to be to make resolutions only to forget them by the end of the week. True, quitting smoking or tanning may not be the easiest things in the world but it’s vital to highlight the benefits you would get from achieving your goals.
Make 2012 a year of health conscience moves, to love yourself and the skin that you’re in. Maybe you want to limit the amount of times you check yourself in the mirror or to stop obsessing over how “pale” you look. Whatever you plan to do, let 2012 be a year to focus on yourself, to be able to love yourself and all your flaws.
Typically, I find girls my age (and some guys!) complaining about how they resemble an “Edward Cullen” vampire figure. Yes, I have to admit he may be a tad pale but hey, that doesn’t stop him being incredibly gorgeous and winning every girl’s heart out there does it? My point is that, the tone of skin doesn’t define you, your character does!
Too often we get caught up in the media and the encircling idea that tanned skin is beautiful or an essential. Yes, there may be a lot of products and services out there that seem tempting for that “quick fix” for that achieving that bronzy glow but there are many dangers that are apparent. According to the World Health Organization , any use of indoor tanning equipment before the age of 35 has been found to increase the risk of melanoma cancer by 75%!
Baby steps.
Okay, we might not be able to wake up looking as godly as a Victoria Secret model or as gorgeous as Ryan Goseling but we are beautiful and amazing in our own ways! Instead of dwelling on things we can’t change, let’s start loving the skin we’re in and accepting our flaws.
Everyone at one point will struggle with image issues. Being self conscience or not feeling good enough is common, but the way you deal with those insecurities depict how strong you really are. Sure, fake tans may grant you a temporary satisfaction of “beauty” but who are we kidding? You’re basically hiding your own skin and wearing some temporary shell that the media has advertised as a “healthy glow”. Self confidence begins with acceptance of one’s true self and grows with embrace with flaws and all.
Fact! : The effects of tanning are irreversible and once your skin is coloured, it’s damaged which can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer.
Stay Motivated and make a plan.
REPLACE “I want” with “I WILL”
Will 2012 be the year that you cut the tanning visits and replace it with a gym membership? Maybe you want to stay more focused, active and take better care of your health. Whatever goals you have, jot it down, stick it on beside that tempting chocolate bar, or even by your computer to remind yourself of what you’re fighting for! Fact: Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for people between the ages of 15-29 but is mostly preventable.
Make 2012 a year about YOU ! Whether it be to fit into that brides maid dress by March, or to quit the salon tan sessions. Have a game plan, make reminders of all the benefits and stay focused because you WILL get there! Overcome those insecurities and avoid the tanning bed for that false bake and start embracing your natural glow! Own your skin , love yourself and achieve your goals!
Feel free to comment below to share your goals for 2012!
Until next time,
Jennifer Wu xoxo