Going Under The Knife and And Doing Whatever Makes You Happy.
By Jason in Motivational, Personal Life | 33 comments
I was really hesitant to make this post and to make something very private, very public. But I thought, this is not only a business blog, but a personal one. Hopefully I can inspire people to stop listening to others and to just do what makes them happy. So here go’s.
Starting in January 08′ and just ending with a final procedure on Feb. 11, 2008 I have undergone a series of cosmetic treatments and surgeries.
Here’s a breakdown of what I have had done. I got laser teeth whitening to make my teeth sparkle, I got surgical hair grafting to make my receding hairline a thing of the past, I got Lasik laser vision correction done for the 2nd time (I had it done in 2003) to get my eyes back up to 20/20, and finally and the most dramatic, I got a Septo Rhinoplasty, otherwise known as a nose job.
I heard basically the same thing from almost everyone who learns of what I had done. “You look fine the way you are, you don’t need to do those things.” I understand when people say that, they think that I should just be happy with what God gave me.
But I truly believe that having undergone these procedures, will make me a more confident and happy person. Listening to other people (although I DO understand they were trying to help) is the kind of thinking that got me in trouble early on in my life.
Deep down I think many people know what they want, they are just afraid to actually take the steps required to make those changes. I just came to a point where I got sick and tired of not having the confidence to get up and speak in front of people, to have the ability to feel comfortable around people I don’t know, and just on a basic level to smile without being embarrassed of my teeth.
My advice, if there’s something you want to do that will make you happy, by all means DO IT. Our lives are too short to be unhappy. This doesn’t have to be about plastic surgery, it can be about anything small or large that you want to change.
At this point I am waiting for my new hair to grow and the swelling in my face to go down. The healing/recovery process for these procedures is 2-3 months. So the next time you will see me will be at the Jason James unveiling at Ken McArthur’s - jvAlert Live! in Philly June 2008.
I’m being silly, there will be no official “unveiling.” But that’s the first time anyone outside of my family and close personal friends will see me out in public. My vanity aside, based on previous events, I expect JV alert Live to be an awesome learning and networking event. Hopefully I’ll see you guys there.
In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a couple pictures. Remember to click on “comments” above this post to leave your thoughts.
Listen to this post email this | tag this | digg this | trackback | comment RSS feed
I’ve always taken the time...
Ambrose Duperon | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Jason
Doing what you need to do to make your self feel great is an awesome inspirational suggestion.
Ambrose
Kelly Stone | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hey Jason …
I say “Well done you”. I know there are lots of strong feelings about this subject all over the world. I’ve been planning on some surgery for quite a while, but it seems that you need to try and convince others before you can make those choices.
Personally, I’ve always thought that you look great :blush: But what matters really is what YOU think.
I’m sure that you thought long and hard about this before you went ahead - if you are happy then so should everyone else.
Heal well and take things easy.
Kelly
Brandi | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Good for you Jason!
What an inspiration! Yes, life is to short, listen to your heart and do what makes YOU happy.
Mary | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Funny, magazines all over the world dictate how women should look (unrealistic, muscle mags make most men wince in pain, and television, movie, music videos and just about all advertising causes most of us to suffer insecurities. I say do what you want to do to make yourself fel happy.
For me, I do the opposite of what society tells us to do to make ourselves “sexy”. And guess what, I have no problems. No makeup, no fancy clothes-just yoga type, no hair dye, just me, me and me again. Have a peek-www.mfdeluca.com I don’t look bad for a 44 year old. One big happy smile and proud to be me.
I might do lasik. What was it like?
Congratulations! You look great!
Mary
Sandy Hall | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hey Jason, Sandy Hall here..
I’ve known you personally for about four years now within the Internet Marketing/eBay field.
My husband and I have had the privilege of
having some very nice conversations with you at different IM seminars and sitting down to dinner with you also.
I’ve got to say,
“I think you were EXTRA FINE the way you were”. ~Smile~
But, I’m not going to take away your wanting to have an “uplifting” of your selfworth.
That’s a purely personal decision, and I wholeheartedly support your making it.
So, once you’re fully healed and lookin “Fine” again, I’m sure all your friends here would love to see updated pics.
OK? Good..
Your Friend,
Sandy Hall
———–
Dave Lovelace | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hey Jason,
Long time no talk to.
I would have been one of those people who would have said, “You’re all that and a bag of chips, dude. Don’t worry about it”. But more power to you.
Hope your recovery is quick.
Dave
Carlos | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hi Jason… ¡Congratulations!
Not only for the procedures but for being as you are. Totally inspirational.
Thank you man.. for everything.
I wish you the best of best.
Carlos Juez
Guayaquil-Ecuador
Marvin | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
It take courage to undergo any kind of surgery and this is especially true when its done for cosmetic reasons. By publicly discussing your reasons and motivation for doing so you may help others to face inhibitions and insecurity which might have prevented them from accomplishing goals or ambitions, personally or professionally. This post might serve as an inspiration for others and help many who’ve struggled with issues of self esteem.
Ilene | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
My comment is about the step you have taken “internally,” i.e., making the decision to live according to what is right for you! Congratulations! Double Congratulations!
I’ve spent years of my life, as a psychotherapist, encouraging people to do what is right for them. I’ve never known anyone who has done so to regret their actions. You will most likely not regret yours, either.
I host an internet radio show, Full Power Living, that is designed to “awaken the world to the power and importance of human emotions.” We’ve had some fantastic, cutting-edge guests as well as ordinary people doing important things (like what makes them feel best!). When you heal to the point of being able to talk easily, would you like to consider participating in a show on the topic of “living according to what is right for me, rather than what others tell me?” I’d love to have more than one “take” or “story” on this, so if others reading the blog want to appear, please let me know!
Here’s to confidence from the inside out!
Ilene
Diana Adams | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
WOW, I went thru the nose surgery about a year ago, I was using nose sprays for 5 years before that, over the counter and prescrip.
NOW, I can breathe, it took about 2 months after surgery to realize how much better I can breathe now. Hope you heal soon! Blessings Diana Adams
Albert Grande | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Heal quickly, my friend.
To look great, you need to feel great. The better you feel, the better you’ll look.
Thanks for sharing this very personal journey.
Sincerely,
Albert Grande
Joe | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Congratulations for actually doing what a lot of folks would like to do. More people should do do elective surgery anyway now that it’s halfway affordable. Then maybe we wouldn’t have as many folks complaining about being ‘weight challanged’ or ‘pretty challanged.’
No matter what the ‘experts’, your friends or family or anyone else tell you, your SELF IMAGE is one of the most important things you will ever have.
Now you can watch and see how you blossom with the NEW YOU!
Mark Sandquist | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Jason,
OUCH! That second photo looks like someone danced on your face.
None of us would be where we are if we listened to everything that people say we should do. I do things that “I” think I should do. The only mortal whose opinion that matters to me is the one staring back at me from the mirror.
Can you imagine the nosejob you’d get if your wife/girlfriend asked your opinion of a new outfit she tried on and you simply said, “you look ‘fine’”?
I rest my case.
Cheers,
Mark.
Liz Tomey | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
WOW! He was a total HOTTIE before, and now he’s going to be “The REAL Hottie”…
Good on you, sweetie! Hope you heal well and quickly…
Liz
Sue | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Bravo for you! Why not do what will make you feel better about yourself? I wish you a quick recovery.
By the way, did you notice most of the comments were from women? If you’d been talking about business instead of a personal issue,it would most likely have been more men commenting. Just an observation!
Take care now!
Andreas Walther | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hi Jason,
Reading your blog makes me realize that you want more then just making good business. Otherwise why on earth would you put such personal story online. I do see you as a leader in your field who stands out because - you DO what you think is right and can help others too.
Because I read your blog and similar materials, I finally start to go my own ways too. I just had several interviews with ITT in San Diego and in Fall I’ll start my education in Visual Communication.
Thanks for being a leader.
Ryan | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Yo Jason,
I wish you the best with your recovery. I agree 100%- Be who you are, and do what you want- no matter what other people think! You’ve been an awesome person and someone that has my respect! Keep up the great work and people like you is what separates the “Internet Marketers” compared to those “fly by night” people.
To Your Success!!
-Ryan Allaire
www.TheAffiliateBlog.com
marsha | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
guys, he’s the new world that is him.
That is a good marketing thing! He didn’t break a mirror before, I am sure, and now there’s no chance of that happening, like ever! He cloaked his identity and now the poor mirror has to deal with that.
(just kiddin)
I am wishing Jason all the best.
Kenny Canard | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hey Jason,
Sounds like you need a vacation. You can rest up & take it easy. Check out my new website. You’ll be glad you did. Glad you’re doing OK
Lynda Shelvey | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
That’s what it’s all about Jason…doing what is right for you.
I hadn’t been listening to the inner me for a while and could not figure out why I wasn’t making progress in anything I was doing. Then I read an article about what would I want people to be saying about me at my funeral. That put me back in touch with my core values which gave me the motivation I needed to decide what was right for me.
I now have my goals written down properly and the desire to move slowly but consistently in that direction.
You have been a constant source of inspiration to me Jason and I thank you for that.
Wishing you quick and speedy healing!
Jason Cooper | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Wow, thats hardcore dude! Heal quickly.
Great job on the blog, it looks awesome!
ListAndTraffic | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hey Jason,
Congratulations!
It’s whats inside the person that really matters, but unfortunately most people judge the outside first.
But if you got both, than you got got it made!
Again, Congratulations Jason!
Scott
http://www.MLMListAndTraffic.com/blog
Bonnie Cranmer | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hi Jason! Thanks so much for sharing such a personal story and your triumph! I think this is something so many people have thought about, myself included. You had the courage to take action for yourself, and I’m sure you’ll benefit from that action. Bravo for you!
I look forward to meeting you in June in Philly at JVAlert Live.
Til then, heal well and be blessed,
Bonnie
mo anthony | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
Jason,
So glad someone has the courage to come out and say exactly what they feel.
good luck
Mo
danny | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
Hi Jason Danny here- glad you are happy doing what you wanted to do -most people just dream about what they want to do but never do it. take determination which you have plenty of. Glad to see u did what u wanted not someone else -we should all follow suite and we would probably all be happier with life -it would be great if everyone could do and be exactly what they wanted to do and be with no limitations-that would be true success and fullfilment - don’t u think?
Chris V. | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
I’m surprised you posted this on your blog bro! Here’s to a speedy recovery and decreased swelling & redness :P.
Hopefully I’ll find the time to get my butt to seminar or two this year and see the new & improved JJ.
Peace out,
V
Brad Lindsay | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
Hi Jason
Wow. You’re a brave man
Congratulation in making the decision and going for it
(you always look confident and come across as a real
cool guy to me… Mohawk haircut and all back in SFO
last September. You’ve got it going on Jason).
Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery and the outcome
you desire.
I look forward to seeing you in your future speaking
engagements.
Best regards
Brad
Kathe Lucas | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Hey Jason, I was thinking you were pretty hot before all that, so really looking forward to some “eye candy” here for this ole’ gal…hehe
THAT is why you worked hard and you deserve every thing you give yourself!
You Go Guy!
Kathe
Denise Hall | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Hi Jason,
You’re much more couragous than I am. I’ve never liked my nose either, but I’m too chicken for surgery.
Good for you, though, for doing what you wanted to do.
Best of luck!
Denise
Alan Flood | Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Jason, I am riding the fence regarding starting an internet business. My success will not be determined by my physical birth/aged appearance but rather by how I meet the needs of my customers/clients. While I have judged you by the quality of your promotions and the niche suggestions, I have never met you so your appearance truly is not a factor in my judging you. Success comes from the heart and the mind not from what you look like. Me thinks you need to look more inward to fix the issues you think you have but that is just my opinion. I am half bald, overweight and have some physical afflictions and if someone I meet chooses to not want to know me, that is their loss. There are a number of people who I have gone out of the way to help. Had they rejected me due to my looks instead of accepting me for my heart, they would have been the losers.
Joe Richey | Mar 16, 2008 | Reply
Dang thats intense
Looks like it hurt hope you recover just fine!
Jason | Mar 16, 2008 | Reply
Yes… it wasn’t a pleasant experience, but for what it’s doing to my life, worth every ounce of pain and worth every penny
cathy | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for raising consciousness about the importance of looks. my rhinoplasty 3 years didn’t turn out and I’m having to face a revision. Even though, the culture has changed sooo much since I was your age; doesn’t matter what anyone says, looks are so important and play such a huge role in living a successful life. Anyone who says otherwise is living in the previous culture/world which is very over.