Since I turned 16, I have hated my freckles. Earlier than that, I wasn't really aware of my looks beyond whether or not I brushed my hair. Now, I see them as a sign that I have not taken good enough care of my skin. I am a 'ranga (carrot top, red head), and I burn easily. I once got sunburn on my face and right arm when I went on a two hour drive on a sunny day. I hate my freckles.
I know we are taught to love our God-given bodies, but should I wear the signs of my failed stewardship forever? Or should I try a beauty product that I found on the shelves of Priceline, promising to help my freckles fade into obscurity? Well, I think I know the answer to that one. I bought the cream, and now I need to remember to put it on twice a day and reevaluate in 3 months. It wasn't an expensive cream, less than the price of a CD, so I don't necessarily have high hopes but I want to give it a shot. Along with sunscreen, I hope to bring my skin back to as close to natural as possible. And I hope I can learn to love my skin, whether or not freckles remain after the three months.
I know I've been a little flippant in this post, but it has really brought up some questions deeper than skincare. How much is my body supposed to be a trial and how much a blessing? I know it is part of my stewardship, but how much will taking care of my body count towards my final grade? Body, Spirit, Relationships are balanced in what way? 10%, 50%, 40%? Or 33%, 33%, 33%?
I haven't really seen my body as an important part of the plan of salvation until I regularly started reading Segullah, cJane and NieNie's blogs. They brought up issues such as fertility, long-term injuries and body image issues from a spiritual point of view. I have never really had a good self-image, and I have decided to start working on my body itself and my perception of it in a spiritual context. Heavenly Father created me and my body, and while my true desire is to become more spiritually beautiful I also feel that I need to recognise and build upon my physical beauty.
I am still early in my Young Single Adult career, and I hope to graduate early through good behaviour rather than long-service! I have recently read counsel from prophets urging me not to be too trendy or frumpy, not to wear too much makeup or too little, and to consider if we carry around a little more weight than most people find attractive. I just need to spin my plates a little better, I seem to have dropped the exercise plate, and my healthy eating plate is wobbling.
3 comments:
Hey, I'm a freckly redhead too, so I'd love to hear how it goes!
Plant a kiss on your index finger and transfer it to each of your freckles! Freckly redheads are gorgeous and I am sure so are you.
Thanks very much for your kind comments. After mentioning this to some of my friends, I have discovered that my freckles seem bigger and darker to me than to anyone else! I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
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