I recently saw Barbra Streisand in concert, and since then I haven’t been able to get an anecdote she recounted out of my head. Mrs. Streisand told the audience how one of her album covers was retouched to remove the bump from her nose. She was infuriated she said, because, ” this nose and I have been through a lot together”. I’ve always admired Streisand’s career (she’s one of the few to have an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Tony!), but more than that — I’ve admired the fact she’s gotten to where she is without succumbing to the pressure to change how she looks.

There have been moments in my life when I’ve considered eliminating the bump in my nose only to decide against it. Each of those times I’ve reminded myself that it’s this very nose that’s gotten me to where I am today. I remind myself that I personally don’t have an issue with my nose but I’m sometimes fooled into disliking it because I realize it doesn’t conform to society’s so-called standards of beauty. I see images of  “beautiful” women with their small, smooth noses, only to look at myself in the mirror and notice my own nose looks nothing like theirs. This in turn makes me insecure.

Fortunately, I’m able to get over my insecurity quickly enough and move on to more important matters in my life. Sometimes, however, I have to google images of Streisand, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy to feel better.

I’m by no means saying I’m opposed to plastic surgery — I’m all for doing whatever makes you happy. Seriously. what I’m opposed to is doing something — anything — because you think it’s what you should do in order to look good, or in order to make someone else happy, or to get that job. I believe happiness comes from staying true to yourself and listening to your inner voice. My inner voice always tells me to keep my nose as it is and that I’m beautiful just the way I am. But heck, if one days that voice tells me something different — I’ll sign on the dotted line and get it fixed — even if it means going under the knife (after careful consideration).

So thank you Barbra, for confirming that fabulous is being proud of who you are and that nothing’s sexier than confidence. You go girl.

XOXO

Val