The little excitement over the Vitamin C jabs have evoked a fair amount of reaction from the ladies. Quite interesting, really, because there appears to be varying opinions and attitudes towards it. Some have even emailed me personally about this, for fear their interest in it will be construed as mere vanity, or even living in denial of our impending old age! You ladies know who you are laa!!! ;-D
I was actually a little puzzled about this fear of being criticised in that manner, until Rahmah's email came in. I do agree with Rahmah's comment that we should all grow old gracefully. But I guess the difference in opinion lies in the perception of what "growing old gracefully" means.
For me, I take it to mean growing old with elegance, poise, and charm. Attractively and tastefully. Graciously accepting the onset of age, yet work at trying to make the transition as seamless as possible, and make the experience as uncumbersome as possible. Behaving your age and acceptiong that the years have passed by, yet trying to minimise the ravages of time and the effects of the toll that life and living has taken on us. Having said that, growing old should be a pleasant journey, and that in itself, is relative. What constitutes "a pleasant journey" really depends on the individual because we are all different women with different perceptions and needs.
I was actually a little puzzled about this fear of being criticised in that manner, until Rahmah's email came in. I do agree with Rahmah's comment that we should all grow old gracefully. But I guess the difference in opinion lies in the perception of what "growing old gracefully" means.
For me, I take it to mean growing old with elegance, poise, and charm. Attractively and tastefully. Graciously accepting the onset of age, yet work at trying to make the transition as seamless as possible, and make the experience as uncumbersome as possible. Behaving your age and acceptiong that the years have passed by, yet trying to minimise the ravages of time and the effects of the toll that life and living has taken on us. Having said that, growing old should be a pleasant journey, and that in itself, is relative. What constitutes "a pleasant journey" really depends on the individual because we are all different women with different perceptions and needs.
But what women doesn't want to look nice? To some of us, nature (or shall I say, Allah) has been more than kind, where our appearance is concerned. Some of us do not need the extra help from beauty products , etc because to these fortunate few not much effort is required to look good. But there are others for whom looking good, or even just looking pleasant, is a constant battle, even in youth! Not everyone is born with good complexion. I know some women who do not need much effort to have good skin, while others struggle with an eternal array of products promising a solution!
So, if a woman makes an effort to maintain looking good as she ages, I do not perceive it as vanity. For what is vanity? An excessive pride in one's appearance or accomplishments; conceit, even. I think the more important question is why we do it. I do it because I want my husband to see a nice looking woman when he looks at me. I think that is a fair reason. Also, it makes me feel good about myself. ;-)
As for the Vitamin C jabs, yes I understand the concerns regarding its effects. I checked it out with my doctors. They think it is ok. I checked it out with an ustaz. He says it is 'Harus' if your intentions are good. Well, considering my husband is 10 years younger than me, I guess I can safely say my intentions are good! :-D
I have gone for three jabs in the last 3 weeks. The effects? My skin is much softer and has a finer texture (you all know I had bad skin, even since school!). Not just on my face, but all over. In fact I think the skin on the rest of my body shows a much faster effect then my face. My husband loves it! *wink**wink* And that, I think, justifies the RM95 I spend per week on the jabs!!!
The beauty of it is that, apart from better skin, the jabs help boost your immune system too, and a host of other health benefits. That is according to my family doctor.
Having said that, I have to make a disclaimer here. That I am not, in any way, a champion for the VitC jabs. My experience with it has so far been good, Alhamdulillah, but you ladies make your own choice. And I reiterate, whether thes jabs are beneficial, whether it is a waste of RM, or whether it is a futile attempt at restoring our lost youth ... is relative and depends on the individual.
For those who wish to try it, Good Luck! I am here if you need to talk about it. Those who have done it, you know the benefits!
On a parting note, growing old gracefully is actually an art. We have to balance the fine line between looking good at our age and looking ridiculous! Botox, face lifts, cosmetic surgeries may not really be in line with what is acceptable as a norm. It is not normal to have a perpetual surprised look on your face (which, I was told, is what Botox gives you). But who am I to judge? Maybe to one woman, the benefits outweigh the risk?
A penny for your thoughts, ladies. I'd really love to hear it. Sorry I can't offer a free jab for your opinions though. The cost could hurt more than the needle ... ouch!!!
