Taking the title for the second time, Jennifer Aniston is People 's World's Most Beautiful Woman for 2016. She first won back in 2004 — the same year as the Friends finale. It's also worth noting that she's the second oldest woman to earn this honor, which proves that beauty has no age limit. (Last year, Sandra Bullock won at age 50.) Although there's no denying that the 47-year-old is gorgeous, physical appearance is not what she prioritizes. Instead, Aniston shared her definition of true beauty, and if you're going to read one part of the interview, it should be this. She told the magazine,
Inner confidence. Peace. Kindness. Honesty. A life well-lived. Taking on challenges and not feeling shame for things that haven't gone the way you felt they should have. And not feeling like a failure or allowing people to critique your life and make you feel like you've failed at something. That's just toxic noise.
Can this quote please catch on as much as Aniston's "The Rachel" haircut from the '90s? If society began defining beauty as inner confidence, I think the world would be a much better place overall. Her words highlight that true beauty lies in being yourself and proud of who you are. It's an empowering perspective, especially with such a focus on peace and honesty. These aren't physical traits, but instead, internal. It shows that when you're at peace with yourself on the inside, it radiates outward.
Another reason Aniston's quote is so powerful is that she talks about not letting others define or limit you. She classifies people's criticism as "toxic noise" and she couldn't be more right. In most cases, the people who are insulting you don't actually have a stake in your life and it's better to not let it get you down. Still, in the interview she acknowledges self-love isn't an easy journey. Aniston comments on learning to love her body, especially her butt. She told People, "Well, I've never loved my butt. It's sort of a thing. I had a bubble butt and was teased." Luckily, her perspective has shifted. She continued,
Now people are paying money to get things injected. Like we're sitting here dying over squats and I'm like, "Wait, what's the trend?!" I think [I've accepted] just my body in general. I used to be such a little round thing, now I'm just like my body is my body so I've embraced things overall.
The idea that society's view of what is attractive has evolved (especially when it comes to butts) shows that trying to conform to a supposed beauty ideal is pretty futile. Trends change and it's better to just focus on being your best version of yourself, not someone else's.
I applaud Aniston for using her platform as People's Most Beautiful Woman to not perpetuate unfair beauty standards, but instead to focus on inner beauty and loving yourself. That's a message that can resonate with women — and men — of all ages.
