Aging, plastic surgery, photo filters, dogs, and the illusion of perfection
I recently wrote on the topic of testing hair samples for heavy metal and minerals levels, and if you missed the piece on this important topic, you can click here to read it.
As the years fly by, I tend to contemplate aging. I am most grateful to be free of injuries and not suffering from bad knees, hips, shoulders, or a bad back. I am thankful to my body for not giving up on me, and have seen that staying active and eating a healthy diet and the essential supplements seem to work.
But regardless of health status, I am certain that we all can boost our health and the health of our dogs.
Pondering aging also makes me think about the less flattering external changes that creep up as the years pass by. Generally, we admire those who age naturally and gracefully, yet paradoxically the fear of getting older leads many people to plastic surgery, Botox, and fillers.
Our society has been hyper-focused on what is visible, which has affected the choices people make, and I understand why. We all know that the images we see of beauty are not real and that photo filters have allowed for an unattainable level of perfection. Meeting some online influencers can be quite confusing. Who are you…..#$!@????
Strangely, despite the fact that people know what they see in these images isn’t real, they get depressed if their faces and bodies aren’t Instagram-perfect in real life.
Even in the dog world, dog parents are hyper-focused on their pup’s external looks. From my experience of working as a veterinarian, most people appear to be more upset about a minor skin eruption, rash, or missing hair, than they do about a serious problem such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or organ disease.
The deceptive beauty displayed in media and magazines has led many to chase the unachievable illusion of youth, and away from real health and wellness. I understand and feel empathy for everyone who opts for a cosmetic procedure because the pressure to appear youthful is immense.
The stories of many celebrities serve as a warning. Michael Jackson, Donatella Versace, and Madonna all achieved great success in life, yet, their actions with plastic surgery are a sign that they were insecure about aging like the rest of us.
Personally, I disagree with the way our society and the media mock and shame these ‘victims’ of commercialism and advertising. In my opinion, they deserve compassion, empathy, and support. At the same time, I respect everyone’s choices and if for example, Elon Musk’s hair transplant procedure makes him feel more confident which makes him more successful in pursuing his path, he may have made the right choice for himself.
Like most people, I confess I am not always happy with what I see in the mirror, but I have made a firm decision not to go for injections of Botulinum toxin or alter my body in any way because I believe they only create a delusion of youth or a caricature of self.
Those of us who have attended high school reunions know that time, gravity, and the circle of life cannot be denied or defeated, and we need to learn to embrace wrinkles, sagging, and aging.
Plus, having what we consider to be “good looks” doesn’t guarantee happiness. For example, Brad Pitt just recently disclosed that he has struggled with low-grade depression for decades.
Also, on a physical level, the face and the body are intertwined by a network of energy meridians and neuro-pathways, and any surgical intervention can negatively affect your overall health.
Some very inspiring people have stated publicly that they are against plastic surgery: Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Pink, Julia Roberts, and Halle Berry have all stood their ground and insisted on not having plastic surgery despite societal pressure for them to remain unreasonably young looking.
Wrinkles are not a failure, they are a sign of wisdom, grace, and a life lived.
Of course, it is important to care for and protect our bodies and do the same for our dogs. But a truly youthful appearance can only come from eating a healthy diet, avoiding junk and processed food, and adding essential nutrients such as fermented vitamins, Omega-3s, minerals and amino acids, and probiotics. Detox the body regularly, and avoid the use of prescription drugs and alcohol whenever possible.
It is a matter of establishing the right habits and routines, which is hard at the beginning, but true health and vitality can only be built from the inside out.
Let’s also remember that great friends, community, and contentment in life also play a significant role in health and longevity which applies to people and dogs.
Now I wonder if you have ever seen a smiling person that appeared ugly and old?
I haven’t, because we are all beautiful when we smile!