Let Go

When two people get married, the intention is to stay in love for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, and in joy as well as in sorrow. However, intention and reality often clash, resulting in 50% of the marriages in divorce.

In addition to life’s tribulations, we also age and our appearances alter with the passing of time. Typically men age more gracefully than women. Stories of older men abandoning their wives who’ve been through thick and thin with them and falling in love with younger women don’t raise eyebrows any more. Plastic surgery and rigorous workout have enabled many women to stay in excellent shape in their 50s or even 60s. I am not a fan of cosmetic surgery, but I do think as women, we should pay attention to how we look and how we feel about ourselves.

To look and feel beautiful, it is important that we concentrate on the internal well being rather than the external factors. A pleasant personality attracts others to you like a magnet. Remember to smile because it’s the best makeup you can wear. The almost 100-year-old Maxine Grimm points out that the trick is to keep yourself in good health and be sociable. Continue to meet new people, do new things and be interested in and learn from people around you.

Once the inner beauty is in place, the external is easier to fix. Eat healthy by adding fruits and vegetables to your diet and commit to regular exercise. The importance of beauty sleep can’t be ignored. Proper sleep makes you relaxed and look refreshed. Makeup helps in concealing the flaws and also in enhancing the good aspects. Too much makeup on the other hand does not let the skin breath and also clogs the pores. Therefore apply makeup properly and minimally to achieve the optimal effect.

I’ve been riding a Pace vanpool to work for 17 years. The driver of the van has been wearing the same hairstyle this whole time. She looks good in it. Meanwhile I’ve tried short hair, very short hair, shoulder-length hair, long hair, and hair with or without perm. Over the last couple of years, I’ve finally settled on the style. Your hair can make you look younger, older, energetic, sophisticated or sloppy. Find a good stylist and find your look. You also need to learn to style your hair so that you’ll continue to look fabulous after taking a shower.

Choose clothes that don’t draw attention to your negative aspects but compliment your body shape. We’ve all seen the amazing effect of makeover on TV: the transformation of appearance by different hairdos, choice of clothes and application of makeup. All of a sudden the same person walks out with such newfound confidence as well as an incredible smile.

Don’t feel guilty spending money on yourself for a massage, facial or a new hairdo. Of course the money can be saved for your kids’ education fund, but your well-being is as important as their education.

Rose is an 83-year-old beautiful lady from the dance school Joe and I attend. Her Waltz is elegant and precise, her Salsa is fun and energetic and her footwork is remarkable. She is so sweet and always looks like she is having the best time of her life. Rose reminds me of Grandma with the addition of a bubbly personality. I want to be like Rose when I am 83!

Although staying beautiful doesn’t guarantee a lasting and happy marriage, it does make you look and feel good about yourself, which in turn will positively influence your relationships with others especially your partner.