Aplomb is being your wonderful, authentic, assured self. A plume (like on a bird), is designed, by natural process, to attract the opposite sex primarily to procreate. Yet it reminds me of how connected we are in this natural process and how far we have the potential to evolve beyond this attraction.
Humankind is not unlike this natural process of birds and most other species. However we have the cognitive ability to discern beyond the physical allure in order to understand, attract, and connect to one’s inner-beauty. Now don’t get me wrong, this is not an indictment against women who choose to enhance their outer beauty. This is me refusing to do so (with the exception of hygiene and physical, mental, & spiritual health).
Case in point: Since I was 15 years old, I attracted men with my slim 6 foot tall body adorned with the latest fashion and enhanced by make-up and caucasian-inspired hairstyles. However, since choosing locks over processed hair, natural face over make-up and having gained considerable weight (compared to my former skinny stature), I have enjoyed literally zero attraction from men.
It’s been over 20 years, and I continue to choose aplomb over plume. I aspire to attract a man who initially recognizes and connects to my inner beauty. If I am never able to experience this aspiration, I am perfectly content to live alone as my authentic, natural self, rather than present an inauthentic me through cosmetics or other means…

Oh, so you mean I really do look like a big pile of crap rather than a talking rock?
Aplomb over plume.


