Della Reese would like to interrupt your day to talk about true beauty.
The screen legend says that aging and beauty do go together perfectly. Forget about fine lines, wrinkles or whatever lotion and/or potion is the current cure all.
The incredible Ms. Reese says that the only beauty tool you need is one that you have with you right now.
"Your thoughts make you ugly or beautiful," she insists. "I think true beauty comes from having a peace around you. If you find peace in your life then your natural beauty will shine.
"Beauty comes with joy," she says.
"True beauty for me is knowing God," she says. "It's just that simple."
DELLA REESE ON STYLE AND STRUGGLE
You have to love that Della won't list the products she uses to look effortlessly beautiful.
"Honestly, I love to rest. I think that's a simple, easy beauty tip," she says. "Nothing looks prettier than a rested face that is up for the day's challenges."
Like many women facing aging issues, Della hasn't always had an easy time of it. The star of the upcoming GMC movie "Christmas Angel" (premiering Sat. Nov. 24) says that a diabetes diagnosis left her reeling.
"I do have diabetes attacking my body," she says. "It's forced me to have the right kind of eating habits."
She says that fruits and veggies are a mainstay in her diet now. Gone are any fried foods.
"I'm winning the war on diabetes," she insists. "The hardest part is that I had to adjust to a different lifestyle that includes exercise. I'm someone who hates to sweat, but I have to do it.
"I thoroughly hate to exercise," she repeats. "I want to lie down somewhere, but I have to sweat it out to keep myself healthy."
She says a positive outlook also keeps her feeling strong and looking great.
"I have a human side, too," she says. "Life does get messy, but I refuse to be angry. I know I will succeed. That's my attitude.
"I know that life is so much about how you think it will be. You will be who you think you are," she says.
A HAPPY MARRIAGE AND LIFE
Reese loves her work including her new film "Christmas Angel."
The film revolves around a little girl who during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season meets a mysterious lady who moves into the house next door. Suddenly, Christmas wishes begin to come true. The girl is convinced that her neighbor is actually an angel.
When she's not working, Reese says that her happy marriage gives her confidence and makes her feel like the most beautiful woman on the planet.
"I'm in love with a man who I have been in love with for 34 years. He's in love with me, too," she says. "So many people show me love, but it's so special to love one person."
She's happy to share the secret of such a happy union.
"It takes understanding," she says. "It takes sharing to keep the love alive.
"For example, every morning when we wake up, I say, 'I love you this morning. God bless you.'
"Whatever else happens on that day, I'm fortified when my husband says that he loves me each morning," she says.
She says that's also why she doesn't lament an extra line or pound.
"When I look in the mirror and see some pounds, I say, 'This is the way Daddy likes it.' Then I jump up and down because I'm happy that someone else loves me just that way I am today."
AGING IN AMERICA
Reese says that she looks beyond the numbers when it comes to aging.
"I think attitude has a lot to do with aging gracefully. I've been on this planet for many decades, but I'm not old," she insists.
"I don't think old or act old," she says.
She laments midlifers who give up a bit on life because the clock is ticking.
"I don't know how I could give up on life. Life is so wonderful. There is so much joy to be found if you open your eyes," she says.
She doesn't even want to turn back the clock.
"I want credit for every minute I've been here," she says. "I want to celebrate all of those years."
