I still get Goosebumps on my arms every time I hear Susan Boyle sing.  My office coordinator Marlene said that she has an innocence even at her age that is so wonderful and refreshing. By now, you have probably watched the YouTube video of Susan Boyle, a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent, sing I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables.

In an interview from itv.com Ms. Boyle talked about her life which has been rather tough. She is unemployed and recently lived with her Mom in her childhood home until her Mother’s death at the age of 91. Devoting much of her time to volunteer work in her church, she keeps an upbeat, positive attitude and shares that can-do spirit as she helps the elderly and visits those in the hospital. Ms Boyle has been singing for years and always wanted to sing before a large audience and pursue some type of singing career.

If you saw the video, you also saw the treatment that Ms. Boyle received before she began to sing. The audience was critical of her looks and outfit making ugly facial expressions. You could see and feel the cynical tone towards her overall demeanor and actions. Then Ms. Boyle began to sing and the entire listening audience received a wake-up call they hopefully will never forget. Ms. Boyle’s singing of I Dreamed a Dream blew them away. What an incredible voice and gift this woman has.

The part that bugs me is the treatment she received. Did it bug you? The negative first impression based only on her less-than-fashionista sense of dress, hair and makeup. The audience was judging her, laughing at her and basically blowing her off before she even opened her mouth because she didn’t look hip, slim, fit or trendy. Well, guess who’s getting the last laugh? As Ms. Boyle received a ‘yes’ from each of the judges, she raised her fists in victory and stomped her feet in excitement. I said “yes….stay true to yourself”. She had the inner confidence to go after her dream, regardless of what anyone else thought or said about her outward appearance. She knows who she is and where her significance comes from…inside her.

Immediately after her successful audition that has captured the hearts of people all over the world, there was talk of turning her into a media darling with a makeover…right away. Ms. Boyle’s reply was that she is taking baby as she is totally comfortable with just who she is. What about her talent? Her brains? How quickly we lose sight of that.

Do you catch yourself judging people by their weight or maybe their lack of fashion or beauty sense instead of who they are as a person?  Maybe you think you need a makeover. Do you feel pressure from society to look a certain way? Think about it…even Barbie can make you feel like you should stand well over 6 feet tall in high heels with a 23 inch waist and 38 inch bust. How realistic is that when the average woman in the US is a size 12? Women particularly have enough problems with self esteem, body image, self worth and many times the resulting eating disorders.

The media’s portrayal of ‘hotness’ as the only qualifying factor for a woman’s worth puts women on the defensive constantly. Young girls and young women spend way more time worrying about how they look than worrying about what they learn in school and preparing for a potential career. In other words, the message is beauty over brains. I think it’s time for women and men everywhere to reclaim your bodies and remember that your significance is found in you, not on the cover of a fashion magazine or anywhere else. What do you think?

If you are feeling less than adequate in your weight or appearance, it’s fine to work on these areas BUT I want you to remember always that feeling good about yourself, your body, your weight and your looks must come from within. It’s not going to be found in new clothes, a face lift or thinner thighs. These things are fine, don’t get me wrong. Listen to your inner voice. Know that you are significant just as you are now. If or when you decide to make a change…make it for you not to fit someone else’s image of what they think is hot or sexy.