You’re More Beautiful Than You Think

Courtesy of Nicole Gordon LevineNicole Gordon Levine before and after

Name: Nicole Gordon Levine

Age: 42

What were you hard on yourself about in the past? I didn’t take good care of my skin, so I would have breakouts from lack of sleep and poor eating habits. I felt naked without lipstick, and I thought I was so pale that I always needed color on my face. I had sparse eyebrows from over-plucking them in the early 90s, and I would wear low hats or pencil them on if I had to run out of the house on short notice.

What’s your perspective now? I am now a mother of two beautiful children, and am always reminded that part of their self-esteem relies on how I handle and look at myself. I embrace the color of my skin, and I have a healthier lifestyle—no more staying up until 5 a.m. and eating pizza. I did go blonde at 40 as it was one of my Bucket List items, and now I feel sexier than ever. I am still a work in progress, as I know the outside should not dictate how I feel about myself. Baby steps. One day, my goal is to have the outer persona reflect my loving inner persona. That would be just awesome!

MORE: What's Your Self-Esteem?

Courtesy of Elaine KenneyElaine Kenney before and after

Name: Elaine Kenney

Age: 65

What were you hard on yourself about in the past? In my 20s, I developed adult acne, which was difficult to deal with. In my 30s, I always felt I had weight issues.

What’s your perspective now? It’s funny—when I get together with my college friends, there are always discussions about our wrinkles, neck and arm issues, spider veins and weight. At my current age, I can put these issues into perspective, but it doesn’t mean that the concerns go away entirely. I am very vain! I guess it’s a human trait. But I’m very comfortable with myself as I am today.

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