12/08/2019
When I think of the most beautiful people I know; they are women and men who carry themselves with a humble confidence, they radiate a zest for life, they are always kind, they are authentic, they have class, they are strong, they make others feel important, they care.... .
I didn’t mention perfect symmetry, luscious hair, slender body, perfect lips, success… Instead, beauty was described by how the person carries themselves and how others tend to feel around them, the person's total being. .
I struggled with my own self-image since I was young. I was self-conscious of certain features, angles, asymmetries, etc. I would coward down when my imperfect features were exposed. Somewhere down the line this shifted... I believe a few things happened. .
I began to notice the non-physical characteristics I admired about those around me... their personalities, the way they presented themselves, the way they communicated, the way they made others feel... The more attention I gave to their character, the more beautiful that person became to me. I desired to be beautiful like them, not in a jealous way; but, in a way in which I could learn from them and transform into a better being. .
Another transformation I noticed... is that instead of hiding my insecurities, I slowly began to lean in and expose them; sort of re-patterning old habits and normalizing new ones. .
Finally, I embraced diversity, quirks, flaws... and, all that makes a person unique and beautiful. I realized we are all puzzle pieces in this world... navigating to find and fit with other pieces whose energy aligns with our own... creating an authentic and seamless fit. .
This is certainly a work in progress as new and old insecurities resurface... but, I am embracing myself with a lot more self love and reminding myself that “I am beautiful” until I feel my shoulders relax, heart pump, and lips smile because I believe it. .
