If the link doesn’t work, try this. Or go to YouTube and type “Dove Film.”
This is part of Dove’s Campaign for Wishful Thinking. The ad shows young ladies expressing their disappointment and frustration with their bodies. While heartbreaking, it is also very powerful. I am certain you will be able to relate to at least one girl in the film. I know I did.
Dove Evolution. This is another ad showing the transformation of a woman through image enhancing. One really shouldn’t believe everything they see in magazines! I guess to see is not necessary to believe. Learn more about their message and workshop at their website.
I looked through the Dove website and saw their Mother-Daughter project. It is very interesting and empowering. I believe that a lot of a daughter’s self-esteem can come from how her mother raised her.
I am lucky to have Mama who made me feel beautiful growing up. Growing up with weird hair, a huge nose and thick eyeglasses wasn’t easy, and I knew I was ugly. But she never made me feel that way. Her encouragement was key in my belief that I would someday grow out of that awkward shell.
I also made a lot of fashion mistakes (well, I still do) but she let me be. There was one instance back when I was 11 that I remember so well. We were going out and I had on a t-shirt with horizontal stripes and shorts with vertical stripes. Terrible huh? So anyway, I heard my Dad whisper to my Mom, “Bakit ganyan suot niya?” (Why is she wearing that?). My Mom whispered back, “Pabayaan mo na.” (Let her be.) Looking back, I wish she had corrected me!!! I hate going through some old pictures because I had such weird clothes on. Then again I never felt anything wrong with what I was wearing. And because of that, I concentrated more on developing my talents and hobbies, which she strongly encouraged me to pursue. The time spent with those hobbies were definitely more precious than just possibly staring into my closet and crying that I had nothing to wear anymore.
Thank you Mama, for making me feel good. Thank you for believing I wouldn’t be an ugly duckling forever. Thank you for always making me feel like a swan. I love you!
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
barbara
November 14, 2006 at 1:01 pm (18 years ago)the power of a mother’s words are so intense.
it can build you up, it can wreck your self-worth.
i’m so happy for you to have a wonderful mother that saw the beauty in you no matter what.
i want to be a happy mother, a loving mother who will accept her kids no matter what.
i have been building a huge bridge with my mother and finding my real self with that journey.
i am at peace with who i am now but at the end of the day it really is just myself who has to love me more
MissMeliss
November 14, 2006 at 3:26 pm (18 years ago)Hello, Michele sent me. I’m lucky to have a mother who, like yours, taught me to be confident and independent. Would that all women were so blessed. Lovely blog you’ve got – I’ll be back.
pinayhekmi
November 14, 2006 at 9:36 pm (18 years ago)What a great mama! You are blessed! If every mother treated their daughter like yours did, the world would become such a great place. Same for dads and sons.
pinayhekmi
November 14, 2006 at 9:39 pm (18 years ago)I just played the video and I am crying now. I need a ((hug))
rach
November 14, 2006 at 11:19 pm (18 years ago)I’m also very lucky to have a loving and supportive mother. She always makes me feel special and loved. Sometimes, when my world seems to turn upside down, talking to my mom helps me keep calm and remain hopeful for the future. She has sacrificed so many things for me and hope someday I could return her kindess.
kat
November 15, 2006 at 4:54 am (18 years ago)i love how you have such a close relationship with your mother! my mother has taught me a lot as well and encouraged me to pursue my hobbies, grow intellectually, and be an independent woman. we have our ups and downs, but i truly appreciate this wonderful woman in my life.
and for the record, i would never think of you as unattractive! and you and your mom look insanely alike! you both have beautiful smiles!
Junnie
November 15, 2006 at 5:10 am (18 years ago)Mothers are angels here on Earth…
JEANNY
November 15, 2006 at 12:08 pm (18 years ago)wow sarap naman…
uy ang haba na ng hair nya…bagay 😀
Joey
November 15, 2006 at 1:05 pm (18 years ago)It’s sad how the media in particular places too much attention and emphasis on being thin and sexy. As far as I’m concerned, the most important things in life can’t be measured, seen, nor defined.
Motherhood is the foundation of civilized life, if you ask me. It has a direct correlation with how well kids turn out.
Lissa
November 17, 2006 at 2:44 am (18 years ago)Nakakainggit that you and your mom have a strong bond.