In the beginning of a new year, many resolutions and ideas to achieve come to mind, and you wonder if your intellectual gymnastics and “to do” lists will take hold or not. The two themes I have adopted for 2014 are “Be Ready” and “Be Open” to new experiences, new ideas, and new opportunities. I asked Audra if she was okay with me writing an article about a new encounter that I have had and she graciously sad yes!
Do you remember the fall of 2013 when The Aha! Connection had a giveaway for a treatment of Botox from Crispin Plastic Surgery? When I was setting up the details of this prize with Jennifer Arnoldi from Dr. Crispin’s office, I realized that I was very curious about having this procedure for myself. I have always had fairly deep “11’s”, those two wrinkles between the eyebrows. I have often prayed for them to disappear, but no cream or magic elixir has ever done the trick in diminishing their daily non-verbal attack on me. I came by them honestly. My mother says I scowled a lot as a teenager and now being the mom of teenagers I realize that the scowling will never end and the “11’s” want go away on their own. I had considered Botox and had even spoken with my sister-in-law who is a plastic surgeon about different options for those intimidating numbers on my forehead. When contemplating this option, I would talk myself out of moving forward due to normal fears, like scary celebrities that have taken it too far, what would people think, and can I afford it. As women, many of us struggle with that voice inside our head that speaks to our fears: fear of losing our youth, not measuring up, making a mistake, and the perceived approval or disapproval from other women. I usually give pity parties to my fear talkers but I told myself not this time.
Jennifer was so sweet and knowledgeable and after much over- thinking, I decided to take the plunge. I made the appointment and asked Audra to go with me and hold my hand. I can’t say enough about the wonderful experience that I had with Dr. Mark Crispin. He answered all my questions and was so gentle with my nervousness. Much to my surprise, it was fairly painless and very quick. Almost instantaneously, I saw the lines and wrinkles that spoke to me so negatively every day in the mirror start to disappear.
The change was subtle and few people commented on my softer and smoother skin between my eyebrows but what a difference it has made to me. Even though this procedure is like highlighting your hair and it will need to be done again, I realized that some things you do just for you even if the benefits are not permanent. When you squash your fears, you leave yourself open to good things coming into your life. There is no embarrassment in sharing with your friends and acquaintances and, in this case 5000 people you don’t know, the truth of doing things that you make you feel better about yourself. Be honest. Women let’s be open to sharing best practices with each other with no fear of condemnation.
In Proverbs it says that “Hope deferred makes the heart sick”. My hope is giddy with excitement for 2014 and what each day may bring. If anything else comes along this year that falls into the categories of being open and being ready, I will share. Thanks for reading!!
** Please note with any cosmetic procedure due your homework and ask a bunch of questions. I had a great experience with Dr. Mark Crispin at Crispin Plastic Surgery and if you want to find out more information about his practice you can CLICK HERE to view his information on The Aha! website.
I’ve been thinking about getting botox, but have those fears you mentioned. Thank you for sharing!