We live in a world where society dictates the norm. In todays society, beauty becomes so stringent that many women develop distorted views of body images and become frustrated at not being able to obtain the ideal figure. Some women are so dissatisfied with their body size that they are driven to become thin and maintain that thinness, sometimes to the detriment of their health. Some women diet in order to increase their self-confidence, make a partner happy or to fit into the perceived model look hype that is so often seen on television. In some respect dieting trends reflect the cultural norms that say that women who eat less are considered to be more feminine and more beautiful. Women spend thousands on surgery to change their features or gain the nose, eyes, and mouth of their favorite celebrity.

Societys belief on what a female should look like play a significant role on how we as women view ourselves. During the teen years, women deal with two responsibilities: intimacy and identity. How they handle this period in life will have a major impact on their self-esteem, mind, body and spirit. Let us not forget that beauty is not physical appearance but, self-esteem, and humility. It is not what you see outside, but what you discover within, such as a kind heart that counts.

As women we need to be empowered with skills, knowledge, and confidence so we can challenge the entrenched structures that tend to hamper us. We should become aware and responsive to our potential and seek to continuously create and be positive role models to others. In short, we should learn to speak with strength, authority and knowledge and not place our self-esteem in the hands of others who would make money on our insecurities

Madeline Lewis

Madeline Ann Lewis is President/CEO of the Deline Institute for Professional Development. She conducts workshops and seminars that have been presented throughout the United States and abroad. Ms. Lewis has been certified by The Professional Woman Network as a Diversity Trainer with special emphasis in Women?s Issues. The workshops and seminars conducted by the institute consist of: Women in Management; The Superwoman Syndrome; Leadership Skills for Women, and the Assertive Woman.

Ms. Lewis is a Sergeant Major in the United States Army Reserve (20 years service) and the Commandant of a Training Detachment located at Ft. Belvoir, VA. Ms Lewis is a Senior Intelligence Analyst with the Federal government (18 years) and an Adjunct Professor with National-Louis University. She received a Governor?s Citation from former Maryland Governor William Shaffer for service during Desert Storm; the Attorney General?s Employee Volunteer Service Award in (1995, 1998 and 2000). She is listed as an accomplished individual in the Manchester Who?s Who for Executives and Professionals; a member of the National Association of Female Executives; Federally Employed Women; the African American Association of Female Executives; the Professional Woman Network and Professional Woman Speakers Bureau.

PUBLICATIONS: Making the Deal: Women as Negotiators, Inland Empire Business Journal, September 2005) Playing from the Blue Tees: Women in the Federal Government , For You Magazine Winter Issue, 2005).

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: She has appeared in the National Association of Female Executives Magazines Success Issue (Fall, 2005), Theme: Military Moxie Radio One (Channel-1010 AM), Theme: I Am Not Your Superwoman (Jan. 13, 2005)