From “Julie’s Gems”: November 2003 (Last one)

The show “Extreme Makeover” makes me sad to see people so down on themselves based on looks alone (not the Home Edition version of the show). The fact is, society is way too image conscious and needs to learn to concentrate more on what’s on the inside and how we treat others instead of obsessing over diets and fashion. Not that there’s anything wrong with taking pride in your appearance and eating for the sake of a healthy heart. In fact, it’s good to see many of you looking so healthy, but when dieting becomes a fixation to look better than the next guy or girl, that’s when it’s dangerous. Or when you’ll only be happy w/ yourself when you drop a size or three.
If someone doesn’t like you based on your looks alone, then he or she is not a real friend, and you should not waste your time listening to their put downs. A true friend or lover should build you up, not tear you down.
Bottom line: learn to accept yourself, and embrace who you are inside and out. If you are truly miserable every time you look in the mirror, perhaps it is time to do a little soul searching and find out what’s really bugging you. Focus at least one thing to improve or enhance, and pretty soon your self image will start to strengthen. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to change your hair style or color, or buy a new outfit to make yourself feel attractive, but colors fade, and clothes go out of style. I can see beauty in each one of you inside and out; I just hope you can learn to see it in yourself and be proud of whom you are.