Oh you! Now, I'd love to lecture you sternly about being more nurturing of yourself, but I suffer from the same things. As you said, aging isn't helping at all. But we do need to love and cherish ourselves, just as we are.

If I would feel sad hearing any friend say that about themselves, why do I do it myself?

That's exactly right. I've heard it said that one of the best antidotes to these self-esteem issues is to actually think of that person in the mirror as a friend — a person worthy of love who needs to be reminded that she is awesome and beautiful.

Also, we need to have a better definition of beauty. It should include the wrinkles we've earned, and even those beautiful chin hairs.