“This is who I am. I’m not perfect. I don’t want to try to be perfect.” Michael Strahan, Retired NFL Defensive End
I wanted more perfect teeth, so I tried the Arm & Hammer, “Truly Radiant” toothpaste, but my teeth were still banana colored. My dentist’s advice? “Wear a brown tie.”
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being neat, clean and well-groomed. There is a point, however, where too much “Hollywood” cover-up can send the unintended message that we may be hiding the real person and that underneath it all is someone who is insecure. A more “au naturale” appearance may project a positive self-image and make us more approachable. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis thinks so. “The more I like me, the less I want to pretend to be other people.” says the lightly made-up actress.
For me, I find comfort in reminding myself that long after others forget whether my teeth were white, or my skin bronze and flawless, they’ll remember how I made them feel. I now realize that I should be investing less time and energy on my own image and focusing more on building up the self esteem of others.
Bottom line? You are one of a kind. Be you, be natural, and be approachable.
“You don’t inspire your teammates by showing them how amazing you are. You inspire them by showing them how amazing they are.” Robyn Benincasa