Image; In the Eye of the Beholder, or In the Heart of the Wearer?

Oh how I've struggled with the aging process. I'm back and forth between "who cares how I look, it's how I feel that matters" and "I feel good when I look good." So how do we decipher self-image? Is it really how we see ourselves or is it how we perceive how others see us. And what does it all matter? I used to be so opposed to artificial means of beautifying, i.e. plastic surgery. I thought it so wrong to have invasive procedures done just to "fit in with society's ideals". I had hoped that no one would ever encourage me to have some work done, because it seemed wrong to try to look better for everyone else, after all, that's who would be looking at me. I think with middle age, I've changed my tone a bit. I still believe it to be not a healthy motive if you're considering cosmetic surgery in order to please others, or to look good for everyone else. But I'm not so opposed to the concept if it's something that will make you feel better about yourself, and there is a difference. Now I'm not going to spend $20 grand to run out and get "the mommy makeover", (although if I had an extra $20,000 laying around, I'd consider it!) but I will be supportive of those who have done the work, gotten healthy and want to tighten up a few spots. I believe the other reason for my transformation in this thought is that cosmetic surgery has evolved so much in the past 10 years. Laser treatments are common practice in many spas, and are used to get rid of unwanted hair, eliminate scars and veins, treat acne, reduce the appearance of aging and so forth. Injectible fillers are a great way to reduce lines without having a complete lift, but beware of the paralyzed face look, not a good one. I guess my parting thoughts are, if you do it, do it for you, not because of what you see on t.v. as society's portrayal of beauty (especially since they got it all wrong!) but because your intuition says that you would feel better about you! Take a look in a mirror, be true to yourself and make a healthy choice that's right for you, no one else but you!