Beauty is skin deep

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We often hear this statement but what does it really mean? Is it a preconceived notion that “beautiful” people are supposed to also be nice on the inside? Well recently one of my friends told me that everyone is beautiful in their own right. It is also often said that we have been brainwashed to believe that beauty is based on societal or cultural norms/ideologies and certain parameters, and if you don’t fit within this cookie cutter image you don’t belong or aren’t deemed universally beautiful. So many young girls are falling into this trap and destroying themselves to fit into this mould --whether it is to be thin or a certain body type, to have a certain colour hair, eyes or skin. There comes a time when we have to realize that we are perfect just the way we are and were created in the image and likeness of the Creator whose love for us is endless. Ironically when we exhibit kindness and love for ourselves and one another, we also radiate it outwards and attract love and kindness to ourselves. We are indeed diverse, unique and beautiful creatures and you would be surprised to know that there may be many others who may admire something about us and yet others who love us just the way we are.

Love for oneself is based on a feeling that comes from inside when you know yourself inside out and are secure, confident and happy with who you are and consequently the decisions and choices you make in your life. It may be contingent upon what stage you are in your life or your immediate environment, family support, inner circle or upbringing. Circumstances can affect your opinion of yourself to an extent but should not determine it since these things are to some extent material and subject to change. Your physical or emotional "make-up" or genes may perhaps also play a role, but at the end of the day you have to take responsibility for your own life and your own happiness. In order to separate yourself from all of these factors, you must first find your center. Find quiet moments to reflect and meditate on “you.” Get to know yourself and pin point your likes and dislikes. What makes you happy and what makes you mad or sad. What your passions are and the things you want for yourself. What causes you to react a particular way to certain situations and if you are pleased and comfortable with it all and lastly what you need to work on. If someone points out your flaws -- do you get upset or do you take from it what you can and move on? If you are content with who you are and all of your quirks, strengths and weaknesses then you are either very secure (or vain) depending on which angle you look at it from! As human beings we all have things we need to work on but it’s good to recognize it, only then will you know how to fix it and in turn improve your relationships with others. I am by no means perfect and am a work-in-progress. Each day I am learning and growing and with small steps I will be exactly where I need to be in time. ©

It's a beautiful life people...let it unfold within each of us!