Introducing the Body HEART campaign

Participant Highlight: Adrienne Wilkinson

Each month we highlight one woman from our campaign. Meet Adrienne Wilkinson.

"My favorite body part is that area of the shoulders where the neck and chest meet - basically the clavicle. That part of a woman is so elegant and graceful and under-celebrated. And for me it also represents strength. Despite what shape I'm in, it remains static and strong. It's the perfect place for perfume, jewelry and delicate kisses."

1 - What is your favorite part of your body and why?

It's funny, I could instantaneously name the parts of my body I'd like to improve - but it took me a moment to think of the parts that I love. To reconnect with that. But once I... started thinking, I realized there are several parts that I love my eyes, the arch of my foot, the small of a the back. My nose is far from perfect...but I love it because it reminds me of my mom and grandmother's. And some of the parts of my body that I like the most are the 'flaws' that tell my history. The scar from where I had stitches when I was 4, the calluses that show how hard I worked as a dancer, the 'war wounds' that are evidence of a life lived.

My favorite body part is that area of the shoulders where the neck and chest meet - basically the clavicle. That part of a woman is so elegant and graceful and under-celebrated. And for me it also represents strength. Despite what shape I'm in, it remains static and strong. It's the perfect place for perfume, jewelry and delicate kisses.

2 - As an actress, and a woman, do you feel the need to be perfect? If so, how do you handle that?

I imagine nearly every woman feels the pull to strive for perfection. I'm certainly always conscious of how 'I'm supposed to look' to be successful in my career. We see so many women celebrated for their beauty or their "perfections" - that we can't help but compare. I have to remind myself that the best careers -the most vibrant actresses that I hope to emulate, are the ones that are thoroughly themselves and their very differences are what made them unique and helped them to carve out the most diverse careers. It's their uniqueness that brought them notice - and let them stand out in the crowd. And it is often their 'flaws' that become their 'calling card'....that special thing you remember them by.

3 - What are some ways that you honor and take care of your body?

I workout often. I try to eat well. I love a bubble bath. My career means my schedule is always changing, but I try to keep a fairy consistent pattern to my sleep and work out routine. I drink a lot of water. And nothing looks more beautiful on a woman than happiness. Happiness and confidence - so I surround myself with people and things that make me happy.

4 - Do you have any thoughts you'd like to share about body image and the media?

I think its imperative to remember that no one wakes up looking like so many of the images you see. It takes a team of stylists, make up artists, lights, fans, retouching and more to create the beauty and fashion ads we see.

I also think we underestimate our own ability to set the tone of the conversation about image. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder- and we are each the beholder...so to a large degree, we can help determine what is celebrated as 'beautiful'.

5 - If you could inspire women of all ages, shapes and sizes, what would you like to tell them?

Honor your health, honor your body. There is nothing more precious. Everything else in your life depends on it. Don't wait until something goes wrong to start taking care of your body. I read a quote the other day that really got to the point:

"Being out of shape is hard. Staying in shape is hard. Losing weight is hard. Maintaining your weight is hard. Being sick is hard. Staying healthy is hard. Pick your hard."

I know that my entire life works better when I am taking the best care of myself. When I am taking the time to eat right, to work out, to surround myself with people, activities and things that I love. I'm better able to handle stress, I have more energy, and I just feel better and that's the best gift I can give to myself. And the better care you take of yourself, the more you have to offer others. So take exceptional care of the gift that is you! You deserve it.