A Better Resolution for 2009

Today is the last day of 2008. To welcome the new year tonight, everyone is celebrating in their own way – some will line the streets of New York’s Times Square under the cold wind and snow, others will pay a fortune to crowd inside a trendy nightclub in LA or Miami. And others will simply enjoy the crowds from the comfort of their living room with Ryan Seacrest providing them the play-by-play.

But no matter where you’ll be when the clock strikes midnight, you can bet everyone will be asking themselves the same question, “What will be my new year’s resolution?”.

Needless to say, in America today, most resolutions involve loosing weight, joining a gym or boycotting jelly donuts or McGreasy burgers. Unfortunately, our nation not only boasts the highest rates of obesity, but we are also the leader in eating disorders, self-conciousness and overall low self-esteem.

The Dove brand has made it its mission to promote a more healthy body image among woman of all ages and widen the stereotypical view of beauty historically defined by the warped lens of film, fashion and mass media advertising. Since its launch in 2004, Dove’s “Campaign for Real Beauty” has made headlines across the globe. Most recently, through the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, a series of online-based short films were launched to promote the self-esteem concept.

And so before we join the masses in finding an unrealistic resolution to bind to this new year, I invite you to view Onslaught, one of the more poignant spots of the Dove series. Surely, we can all be skinnier, taller and more attractive, but if we want 2009 to be a great year, we should focus on being happier, healthier and more beautiful on the inside first and foremost.

Happy New Year!