I decided to start this personal blog as a courageous act to pull back the curtain and show the human behind the tech entrepreneur in AI.
The vulnerability we share is the biggest gift to humanity. It is how we become aware that we share more similarities than differences.
Most importantly, when men and women alike become comfortable in being themselves, feeling safe to discuss their personal struggles, and debunk societal expectations- including gender norms- is when we collectively encounter the right environment for the evolution and well-being of all of us.
So alas, as a Colombian rooted, American made 33 year old female here is the discussion of this blog post:
“Make it more corny” I told Gemini.
In my career as a tech founder, c-level executive, and global keynote speaker with constant press, interviews for national newspapers, and on-stage presentations at conferences, I’ve had to battle internal insecurities about appearances: from my cellulite to weight loss to the wrinkles that have appeared over the ages.
I’ve battled the once in a blue moon voice, “get the Botox,” to which the following critical thinking appeared:
The beauty industry thrives on the insecurities of women. The system benefits when we are actively looking for external validation through consumerism to fill a void that was never there in the first place. We are born complete. When trends happen, it is a systematic method to produce a new demand for capitalistic gain.
Then came the introspection:
If I get Botox, what is the underlying issue? Lack of self-acceptance, lack of self-love, and fear of time. If I did not face these insecurities now, at age 33, I would battle them for the rest of my life.
I recall when I was in Vegas at the Global Forum for Education and Learning conference, were I was being awarded as a Top 100 Leader in Education, my mother took out a “Botox pen” to which she said, “a little bit around your mouth for when you smile.” I was 27 years old.
& the picture is photoshopped
The irony was sharp: in the same breath that the world was awarding me for my vision, I was being told to blur the very lines that show up when I’m full of joy. It was a wake-up call that if I didn’t face these insecurities at 33, I’d be running from them for the rest of my life.
My crows feet is the trail left behind of countless smiles and laughters.
The wrinkles around my mouth when I smile are an extension of the emotions of happiness and joy.
The dents in between my eyebrows are a trail of my Miami times: as the sun made me squint.
When Botox starts to be a pressure to be pursued, what is at risk is your ability for your face to express emotions and the on-going cycle of running away from radical self acceptance.
Let this be a reminder that you are beautiful and complete. And no amount of Botox will grant you happiness. That’s within; it has been with you since you were born.
With love,
A 33 year old.
