After my son sent me a YouTube video, of Susan Boyle, which I’m sure you’re all familiar with by now, I questioned, “WHY DO WE HAVE TO FIT INTO SOCIETY’S EXPECTATIONS?” Listen to her sing with your eyes open and then with your eyes closed. Something dramatic happens. Would you agree?

Unfortunately, where I live now, in Orange County, California, not far from Hollywood, I would say the answer is an overwhelming YES I HAVE TO FIT IN.

You have to fit in to what society expects you to look like. If you don’t look the part, you don’t get respect or attention, or the JOB. Even I have become overly judgmental over the way people look. I’m not proud of it either, but I think I’ve been brainwashed by the U.S. media. When I look at newscasters on TV, most of them, especially the women, look like Heidi Klum and Angelina Jolie. It’s reached the point on CNN, where you stare at the face and barely listen to the words. Whenever a journalist pops up from another country and has crooked teeth, a large nose, or ears that stick out, you get distracted and have to close your eyes to “listen.” Of course that’s superficial, but I have to say it’s thanks to the unrealistic expectations that society places on everyone about youth and beauty. At least that’s the case in the U.S. Now you may understand why I felt at peace in Belize.

Every morning when I drive to Newport Beach library in an upscale neighborhood. I stand in line for my Peet’s coffee and see more beautiful women in expensive exercise outfits, women in designer suits, with freshly Botoxed and Juvedermed wrinkles and flawless skin. The sad part is many look angry and rarely smile or make eye contact.

I would be lying if I told you that I don’t look and question what procedures they’ve had done, how old they are and more. I’m sorry to say that now when I see a woman with bags under her eyes, I question why hasn’t she had them removed? I’m not proud of thinking this way. Part of me envies the woman for her courage to be different, and not so superficial. I feel very sorry for young girls, in this part of the world, where looking “perfect,” is their ultimate goal in life.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, whether you agree, and if this is mostly a U.S. phenomenon or if the same applies all over the world?