Life has come full circle for Michelle Law, a British-Australian writer who's penned a candid essay about her lifelong struggle with taking care of herself. Her mother's oft-repeated Cantonese idiom, "want beauty, don't want life," echoes through the author's childhood and teenage years as she navigated the treacherous waters of societal expectations.
As a young girl, Law's mother emphasized the importance of looking one's best at all times, cautioning her against the perils of an unattractive appearance. This mantra would stick with Law long after she grew up, influencing her relationships and decisions about self-care. She recalled her teenage years as a time when she succumbed to the allure of being "cool" – a persona built on makeup, trendy clothing, and a willingness to take risks.
However, this fixation came at a cost. Law's struggles with acne, fungal infections from salon tools, and an ever-increasing weight took its toll on her physical health. She began to realize that her pursuit of beauty had become a source of anxiety, rather than joy.
When Law became a mother, she found herself adopting a different set of priorities. Sunscreen replaced makeup, and a nappy bag became her constant companion. As she navigated the challenges of caring for a newborn, Law's focus shifted from appearances to functionality – a practical necessity that allowed her to prioritize her child's well-being above all else.
This newfound sense of purpose has brought Law a measure of peace, but she knows it won't last forever. She can only imagine the day when she'll have to pass on this idiom to her own son, imparting a lesson about balancing beauty with life. The weight of this responsibility hangs in the balance, as Law wrestles with the idea that she's passed on not just her values but also her vulnerabilities.
The essay serves as a poignant reminder that societal expectations can be suffocating, particularly for those from Asian cultures where the emphasis on physical appearance is often heightened. By sharing her personal story, Law offers a glimmer of hope – one that speaks to the resilience and determination required to break free from these constraints and forge our own paths.
As a young girl, Law's mother emphasized the importance of looking one's best at all times, cautioning her against the perils of an unattractive appearance. This mantra would stick with Law long after she grew up, influencing her relationships and decisions about self-care. She recalled her teenage years as a time when she succumbed to the allure of being "cool" – a persona built on makeup, trendy clothing, and a willingness to take risks.
However, this fixation came at a cost. Law's struggles with acne, fungal infections from salon tools, and an ever-increasing weight took its toll on her physical health. She began to realize that her pursuit of beauty had become a source of anxiety, rather than joy.
When Law became a mother, she found herself adopting a different set of priorities. Sunscreen replaced makeup, and a nappy bag became her constant companion. As she navigated the challenges of caring for a newborn, Law's focus shifted from appearances to functionality – a practical necessity that allowed her to prioritize her child's well-being above all else.
This newfound sense of purpose has brought Law a measure of peace, but she knows it won't last forever. She can only imagine the day when she'll have to pass on this idiom to her own son, imparting a lesson about balancing beauty with life. The weight of this responsibility hangs in the balance, as Law wrestles with the idea that she's passed on not just her values but also her vulnerabilities.
The essay serves as a poignant reminder that societal expectations can be suffocating, particularly for those from Asian cultures where the emphasis on physical appearance is often heightened. By sharing her personal story, Law offers a glimmer of hope – one that speaks to the resilience and determination required to break free from these constraints and forge our own paths.
it's crazy how our past experiences can shape us in ways we don't even realize. like, michelle law is literally reflecting on her childhood and how it influenced her entire adult life, from her relationships to her self-care habits... and it's so beautiful 
yet also kinda scary? because now she's passing that same message down to her own kid, which puts a whole new level of responsibility on her shoulders 
what does it mean to balance our desire for beauty with the need to prioritize our well-being and happiness? is there even a right or wrong answer? 
. Growing up, she was like me and my friends, always trying to fit in and look a certain way, but now she's all about prioritizing what really matters - her family's health and happiness 
. Its amazing how our values and priorities can shift as we grow older and become parents ourselves, right? 
.
like, can't we just love ourselves for who we are without the pressure of looking perfect all the time? i mean, i've been there too, struggling with acne and feeling like i need to be 'cool' just because everyone else is. but now i'm all about self-care and being kind to myself 
and it's literally changed my life! I love how michelle law has shared her story and is speaking out against the societal expectations that can be so suffocating 
but I know she actually cares about people and not just her looks. And yeah, societal expectations can be super suffocating 
especially in Asian cultures where family pressures can be extra 
. But come on Michelle Law, you're not alone! We all got our own struggles and it's okay to wanna look good every now and then 
Michelle Law's essay is like a breath of fresh air! It's so inspiring to see her share her journey of self-discovery and how she's learned to prioritize her well-being over societal expectations 
And I love how she talks about how becoming a mom helped her shift her priorities and focus on what really matters – like her kid's health and well-being. That's such a big deal! It's also crazy how this idiom from her childhood is still influencing her now, but in a totally different way. 
I think it's awesome that she's sharing her story to help others see that there's more to life than just being pretty. 
, it's like she's speaking straight to my soul. I think we can all relate to feeling like we're trying to live up to someone else's standards, whether it's a family member or society at large. For me, it's the pressure to present this perfect online persona vs. being real and vulnerable 
as a parent it's been super eye opening for me too - my little one is growing up so fast! 
. its like Law's essay is saying that we need to relearn how to prioritize our own well-being over all this societal pressure. i'm definitely gonna have to look into some new self-care routines now...like who knew sunscreen could be so empowering? 
... I mean, who hasn't felt like they're stuck in this beauty trap, right? 
. Let's raise our daughters to be strong, beautiful women who know their worth beyond their physical appearance