“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”
~Kahlil Gibran
If you’re anything like me, you’ve definitely felt the pull to look young, stay youthful, and adhere to what the media tells us is beautiful.
We are human. We want to be accepted, loved, and appreciated. And if we listen to what we hear out there (especially in mainstream media), then we are bound to get caught in the self-loathing cycle of not good enough.
This belief that we are not enough just as we are is the very force that propels advertising and the consumption-driven economy of the U.S. (and other “western” nations around the world, I would think).
Unfortunately, when we buy in to the countless ads, t.v. shows, movies, and magazine articles, we begin to believe this notion that youth = beauty and to make it our own truth.
I am here to remind you that you have the freedom to think differently.
You have the freedom to believe in whatever standard of beauty feels right to you.
You have the choice to embrace the perfection of every beautiful age on this journey.
You have the wisdom to look within and see that authentic beauty has nothing to do with the presence or absence of wrinkles, the color of our hair, or the size of our breasts and hips.
Authentic beauty is something so much deeper. It shines from within. It radiates from that timeless place where your love overflows into the space around you. It is rooted in the confidence you feel when you truly love yourself.
Now I realize that stepping back from the youth-driven beauty culture of our modern era is challenging. And yet, I believe that simply raising our awareness of what is shaping our ideas about our beauty and our value is the first step toward creating change…in our own minds and in the world around us.
We simply need to pay thoughtful attention to the images and ideas that are being served up to us on a daily basis: if we watch a t.v. show, if we open a magazine, if we drive down the highway and subconsciously take in the billboard ads. Once we notice what is portrayed as valuable in our culture, then we can begin to draw our own conclusions about what matters most to us.
And once we clarify what we find most valuable, then we can align our thoughts, words and deeds with these values.
So, let me ask, do you really believe the media’s portrayal of beauty?
Do you think that beauty only comes in young skin, a thin body, firm breasts, or lustrous hair?
Do you agree with the standard of beauty being broadcast in our culture?
Or do you see beauty in deeper, more authentic aspects of yourself and the ones you love?
When I think of beauty, I think of feeling vibrant and alive. I think of belly laughs and strong hugs. I think of sparkling eyes full of wisdom and life. I think of the joy shared when a smile is brimming from ear to ear. I think of the soft curves of a human body. I think of the sexiness of a woman who knows her own worth. I think of the kindness of generosity and love. I think of the perfect imperfection of being human. I think of radiating grace and self acceptance. I think of appreciation and tenderness.
So, if you’re like me and you find yourself looking at your reflection in the mirror sometimes wishing things were different, then maybe it’s time for all of us to reconsider what we see as beautiful.
Maybe it’s time for us to see beauty through our own eyes. And to embrace the beauty in ourselves.
As we begin to really love ourselves, then our own beauty becomes evident. And we are more capable of witnessing the authentic beauty of others.
Take a moment to gaze upon your beautiful self and authentically affirm, “I love you.”
This is your first step toward letting go of the need to be anyone other than your perfectly imperfect beautiful self.
Here’s to Appreciatin’ You,
Denise
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