how I'm trying to escape the beauty standard

@lesspauli_ and me talk more about this subject in this podcast episode, but especially related to buying and owning things 😊: anchor.fm/moreorlesspodcast/episodes/more-or-less-…

I’m 53 and have been shaving my head on and off since 2012. I once heard the quote “what other people think of you is none of your business”. Its true. You can’t control other peoples thoughts, so why worry about them. I am strong in my resolve to look in a way that makes ME feel good about myself. Men don’t ever get comments about shaving their heads or not wearing makeup or gaining a few pounds. It’s ridiculous that we should. Lia, you looked amazing with your buzz cut. Do what makes YOU happy girl.

It is exhausting trying to fit into a mold that society/we put on ourselves. I finally quit dying my hair a couple of years ago and now I have these beautiful silver strands coming through. Somehow they make me feel proud. They are uniquely mine. It's freeing to let go and be thankful for how we are unique. The beauty industry just wants to make money anyway. So, not letting myself be affected by all the ads and marketing is really freeing. Thank you so much for this video.

The beauty industry wants women to feel insecure and unhappy with their looks. You can’t make money off of happy secure women

As I became older I gained so much more confidence. I used to wear so much makeup, dye my hair, wear shoes that were too tight but looked nice. Now I don't wear makeup, walk around in Birkenstocks and flip flops and dress for comfort only. I want to let my hair go grey but I have been struggling with what will people think. I have to get over this and live for me. I could care what less what color my hair is. Its what others will think. I am not there yet.

I used to be so focused on how my body looks. I’m 52 now and have a slipped disk in my back. In pain every day, I now just wish for a body that I could move well! That would allow me to walk without pain so I can explore our planet and dance as I used to. It’s a shame that it took this for me to realise what a truly beautiful body is- one that can carry around our spirit so it can experience the joy of movement, experience the planet- to me that is now “the perfect body” - what ever it looks like! Thanks for your important video 😁🤩👍✌️✨

Have you noticed that when you or others are feeling happy or excited or exhilarated - authentic, you look beautiful?!!! Unrealistic or unnecessary expectations are another thing to declutter. Freeing.

Everything you said!!! Exactly! I'm 51 and love my long greying hair and find it nearly carefree - i wash it once a week overhead, with a plastic free shampoo, I use a towel to dry it for 5 minutes, and then 3 minutes hair dryer. I brush it once a day for 3 or 4 seconds, and twice a year I make a horsetail and cut the oldest 5 cm off with one cut. That's my haircare for the last 15 years now. I find it's saving time, it's cheap, looks good on me, never have bad hair day. Anybody unsatisfied with how I look? Well - their problem, not mine.

People tend to forget that beauty standards are in their own heads. Taking care of yourself with washing brushing teeth decent food and clean clothes is enough, everything on top of that is your own insecurity

As a man, I appreciate your message re: questioning the essence of beauty and your journey of exploration. Now, I see you as being a very attractive woman because of your simple beauty and your confident mindset. You look great with a clean buzzcut and you will always be feminine. Wearing comfortable, loose, baggy clothes is also wonderful. The most important thing is that you feel a sense of comfort within and without you. Be yourself. Much love to you!

I realized in m 40 that I changed. I looked older and now I am 44 and I became invisible in society. I dont wear make up, i have grey hair, i start to have wrinkles and double chin. I still wear jewerly because I love it. I dont care about men and now it only older men i can care about and i find them ugly wrinkly and grumpy. Prefer to be on my own. Enjoy your young years. Life s not always kind to women ..

This video says everything I grapple with as a teacher with a buzzcut, I get questioned by the kids all the time, last week I had kids asking me questions until I realised they were trying to ‘diagnose’ me as a lesbian?!?! I am a straight woman but constantly questioned, looked at weird by men, especially old men?!?! I love having not much hair it’s so easy, but made difficult by other people’s views. I have to be tough and do what I feel for me. Brilliant video!!! Do what you like Lia you looked the best with your buzzcut!!! There will always be shallow people unfortunately.

I shaved my head six months ago. Partly inspired by your buzz cut video but mostly because I wanted to break free from the me I had created over many years. I had a few comments of how brave I was to shave my head (which I think is just silly, it’s not brave), but time has gone on and I can’t yet see me wanting to grow it. I love the ease of a buzz cut and my husband and kids have accepted it (my six year old wants her hair buzzed). Life is easier when you don’t have to faff around with hair!!

I exercised for a good body-never archieved it. Now I’m riding a bike, hiking, swimming with my kids, running because I like it and I enjoy it❤and I’m in great shape, but what’s the most important thing I’m feeling great. I quit make-up and shopping things one year ago and never look back. I’m trying minimalism for over 5 years and finally everything clicked in my brain. I also quit drinking alcohol 2 years ago and minimalising screen time. Thank you Lia for your videos, it inspirated me on my journey a ton.

It's so sad how people talk to others! I thought u looked beautiful & confident with a shaved head. I'd like to shave my head bc I have fibro. My husband said he wouldn't mind, but bc I'm overweight, I don't wanna look bad, also I don't wanna be a topic of conversation either. Wish more people thought like you, think we'd enjoy life more if LESS emphasis was placed on the physical, & MORE on the heart. Always appreciate your videos! ❤

I keep my hair long because I am lazy and hate going to salons. My 10 year old son has long hair almost to his waist and he gets comments constantly! It is so irritating. I am hoping he never cuts it just to annoy people who dislike it at this point.

I love how you're such an authentic person. You're such an inspiration to me. My natural hair is light brown, but I had been dying it dark brown and tinting my eyebrows for years. Now I've stopped both and am growing out my natural colour because watching your videos made me realise that I was doing these things for other people. Thank you, Lia. Keep being you ❤

You looked amazing with your buzz cut, so purposeful and energised. You also look great now. And people can question you but you don't need to explain anything ☺️ Thank you for being such an inspiration :)

Great video! I last shaved my head in 2021 at 55 years old. I love the freedom it brings. It felt wonderful and so freeing. I'm also embracing my grey even though some people encourage me to dye it. Been there...all different colours throughout the decades. It's time for me to be me, without worrying what others think. I really identified with your message Lia, great job! ❤

I'll be 48 in a couple of months & I'm at the point where some days i enjoy putting on a little makeup & other days i don't want to bother with it. I do enjoy a simple skincare routine. I totally understand what you are saying in this video ❤