📚 Looking Within, Looking Forward: Why "Face It" is the Perfect Read for Every Woman📚

It took me 2 months to finish reading “Face It”, which is a pretty ridiculous timeline for me because I typically finish books in a week or so. The reason it took me so long to finish it is that after getting halfway through the book, I decided to go back and restart it. I did that because I realized the book deserved more of my attention than I was giving it, that’s how powerful of a read it was for me, and I wanted to not just READ the book but give myself enough time and space to STUDY what was coming up for me while doing so.

I’ve asked Gemini AI to help write up a formal review of the book (my continued practice in prompt engineering while having fun pushing the boundaries with my writing) but first, let me share my personal perspective on this book.

I highly recommend “Face It'“ for all women because of the wealth of insight presented here. More specifically, what resonated with me was the number of stories shared from other women’s experiences. It hit me that it’s rare for women to share these kinds of personal stories with one another. I grew up in a household with 4 women who were older than me - my mom and 3 older sisters - and even though I had a wealth of knowledge within my reach, we never really shared these kinds of things. Whether it was just life getting in the way, or not wanting to share such personal feelings/anxieties with one another as to maintain some level of outward confidence, all I know is that it’s such a shame that we didn’t.

Dr. Vivian Diller and Dr. Jill Muir-Sukenick (former models turned psychotherapists) filled these pages with stories of women from all walks of life, some my age which helped me make a little more sense of the feelings I’m feeling now, and some older than me which is helping me understand what I may feel or experience in my future. It’s strange to think that reading the stories of many women unknown to me will & has helped me learn a bit more about myself, but that’s exactly what this experience was for me.

I remember earlier in my career I was seeking a female executive who could be a mentor to me, but I wasn’t successful in finding one because every female executive I came across didn’t seem to possess the qualities I was searching for, essentially a woman in command of herself and her environment while leading with a soft heart. Every female executive I encountered ended up being just like the male leaders I saw in the corporate world and I felt disheartened. I wanted to see an example of what I wanted to become when I was older - a leader who wasn’t just ruthlessly focused on the bottom line but someone who was a champion of people first, who saw strength in using their heart over their mind, a woman who could be soft when it counted yet firm when it was needed. I didn’t find her.

One day I shared this desire with a male manager of mine, and what he said opened my mind in the most beautiful way. He told me to become the example that I’m looking for. If I couldn’t one person who embodied every quality I was searching for, pay attention to those around me who may be showing one or two qualities and focus on that. That was the day, probably less than a decade ago, that I started to believe that I didn’t need to do leadership like the examples I was seeing around me, and I started “collecting” female AND male examples of leaders who exhibited the leadership qualities I wanted to further cultivate for myself.

This is what “Face It” has done for me; I haven’t found one single example of a female approaching aging the way I want to but with this book, I have found many who are doing their best to make sense of this inevitable yet still scary life phenomenon.

Now without further adieu, please see the formal book review written by Gemini AI. Enjoy!

Face the Reality, Not Just the Mirror: A Review of "Face It"

"Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change and What to Do about It" by Vivian Diller and Jill Muir-Sukenick is more than just a beauty guide; it's a compassionate exploration of the emotional rollercoaster women navigate as their appearances evolve. Authors Diller, a former model turned therapist, and Muir-Sukenick, a psychologist, weave their unique perspectives to tackle the "Beauty Paradox" – the conflicting societal messages that tell us looks don't matter, yet elevate youth and beauty as our currency.

The book's strength lies in its honest portrayal of the often-unacknowledged anxieties women face. From the first "uh-oh" moment of noticing a wrinkle to the grief of losing youthful vibrancy, Diller and Muir-Sukenick normalize these feelings, offering a safe space for vulnerability. They delve deeper, challenging the cultural narratives that tie our self-worth to our physical appearance.

Instead of suggesting quick fixes or cosmetic solutions, "Face It" embarks on a transformative journey. The authors present a six-step program, encouraging readers to identify their personal "masks" (the facades we wear to hide insecurities), confront the underlying messages about beauty they've internalized, and ultimately redefine what it means to be beautiful at any age.

While the book primarily addresses the experiences of women, its message resonates with anyone grappling with the anxieties of aging and societal expectations. The authors' empathetic tone and insightful exercises create a supportive space for personal reflection and growth.

However, "Face It" isn't without limitations. The focus on internal work might feel lacking for those seeking practical advice on makeup or skincare. Additionally, the book's emphasis on individual change can overlook the systemic issues that contribute to beauty insecurity.

Despite these limitations, "Face It" remains a valuable resource for women navigating the emotional terrain of aging. It offers a refreshing antidote to the superficiality of beauty culture, encouraging readers to embrace their authentic selves and find beauty in every stage of life. With its insightful blend of personal stories, psychological expertise, and practical exercises, "Face It" is a powerful reminder that true beauty lies not in the mirror, but in the heart and mind.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for women of all ages seeking to untangle the complexities of aging and beauty, and build a more positive and empowered relationship with their appearance.

This book provided me with something that I didn’t have in real life; valuable information in the way of real women’s experience with aging! So please get a copy for yourself. I got mine from Amazon.