What is Beauty??

I just talked to an old friend of mine and she was expressing the struggle she is having with body image. She is a beautiful, loving, and all around wonderful person but she feels bad about herself. That makes me so sad. Why do we focus so much on the outside? Does the mirror reflect who we truly are? 

From the time I was a little girl I thought I knew what "beauty" meant (at least according to society). Super Models, Movie Stars, Pop Stars...they were beautiful. The perfect proportions, matched with a killer smile, and great hair. I wanted to look like that! I didn't want to struggle with weight, have short legs and Fred Flintstone feet...but that's what I have. 

I know God didn't make us using cookie cutters. He obviously finds beauty in diversity. So why is it so hard for us to accept ourselves. To learn to treasure what makes us who we are and not envy others. 

Over the years this has been a struggle for me. Who am I kidding??... I still struggle with it every day. It's hard not to when we are bombarded with the "perfect woman" in the media and meet men who's standards are set so high because of airbrushed models. But I'm trying and I've come up with a couple things that have helped me and will hopefully help you too. 

One of the things that has helped me is finding beauty in those around me instead of comparing myself to them. Not thinking, "I'm thinner than her" or "I wish my legs were that long", but instead thinking, "She has pretty eyes." It takes the focus off myself and helps me see beauty in others. 

Another thing that helps me is to find the positive in the things I don't like about myself. For example; I have always struggled with my weight so I have had to pay attention to what I eat and make sure I exercise. Having that struggle has made me a healthier person. I probably wouldn't work out every day if I was just naturally thin and then I wouldn't have the healthy habits I have today.

Lastly but maybe the most important thing is to take care of myself. Giving my body the nutrition it craves and the exercise it needs. Taking time to develop myself on the inside too. Growing spiritually and mentally will help you have a better prospective on life. 

The worst thing to do is turn to a negative lifestyle. Who wants to be around someone that is constantly negative and miserable? Not only will people not want to spend time with them but any beauty that was there will be squashed.

Some of the most beautiful people I know aren't Super Model gorgeous. They are beautiful because they are uplifting, positive, and encouraging. 

Today, take a step toward real beauty. Find something about yourself that you don't like and make it positive. Then take a baby step toward becoming healthier. Maybe that will be drinking more water or parking farther away so you have to walk more.

YOU CAN DO THIS!  Find the beauty within yourself and appreciate what God has given you. Take care of yourself and you will feel better about yourself and the world around you.