Some of my battles with weight have been very public. But most of them have been internal. Even at my thinnest, when my body was being praised, I wasn't happy with what I saw in the mirror or how I felt about myself.
Interpretation
External appearances do not always reflect internal feelings of self-worth.
Janet Jackson's quote highlights the struggle many people face with body image and self-acceptance, emphasizing that external validation, such as praise for one's appearance, does not guarantee true happiness. Despite her success and being at her thinnest, Jackson reveals a deeper battle with internal perceptions and self-esteem, suggesting that personal acceptance and self-love are crucial for genuine happiness.
In practice
In a motivational talk about body positivity, you could say, 'As Janet Jackson expressed, some of our toughest battles are within ourselves, regardless of how others see us.'
People tend to put entertainers on pedestals. We're human beings, just like you. You may see us smiling, and whether we have money or not, we still have bills to pay, we still have our stresses. I think a lot of people want to focus on others' shortcomings to make themselves feel better. And it's a very sad thing.
I've never been one for keeping a journal, so my songs were my journals. They allowed me to express my feelings and let people know what was going on with me. I knew that somebody would relate.
I'm convinced that we Black women possess a special indestructible strength that allows us to not only get down, but to get up, to get through, and to get over.
I feel most people’s sexuality is enormously complicated. That’s what it means to be human. Wouldn’t it be great if we honored that complexity rather than turn it into gossip or ridicule? Wouldn’t it be great if we accepted sexual diversity, in ourselves and others, without condemning it?
The happiness of men consists in life. And life is in labor.
Pleasure is often spoiled by describing it.
So, twice a week, I go to a beauty salon and have my hair blown dry. It’s cheaper by far than psychoanalysis, and much more uplifting.
You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There's another day you might want to know about: Giving Tuesday. The idea is pretty straightforward. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, shoppers take a break from their gift-buying and donate what they can to charity.
It is a new road to happiness, if you have strength enough to castigate a little the various impulses that sway you in turn.
My heart forgives and releases. Inner peace is my goal.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.