Beauty: Where does it come from?

Every morning I wake up, walk to the bathroom and look in the mirror. The reflection starring back at me tells me two things. One—I need a shower. Two—I’m a strong, confident woman.

But let me back up, because it didn’t really start with a morning wake up call and a walk to the bathroom.

Who’s your favorite Hollywood idol? Chances are they’ve been praised for their good looks, which is only part of what makes desirable. They probably have perfect hair, straight, white teeth, top-of-the-line clothing and a pretty smile.

Their faces are smothered on magazine covers where their featured stories consist of their perfect lives. But more importantly, they’re acknowledged by others for their beauty.

By mirroring these idols, society insists that our lives will be perfect, like theirs; By buying clothes we can not afford and caking on make up, we attempt to make our lives wholes. We do all these things to obtain this perfect image of ‘beauty’

But why?

Because more people will like us? Because we will feel better about ourselves and we’ll gain acceptance in the world?After you’ve maxed out your credit cards purchasing what you think you need, it’s time to take a look at yourself.

Material things can’t buy happiness—they physically cannot.

So every morning when you wake up you have two choices: One—you can work hard to be someone else or two—you choose to be yourself.

Wikipedia describes beauty as, “A characteristic of a person, animal, place, object or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction.

Maybe Wikipedia has beauty all figured out.  But to me, beauty means more than one characteristic—it’s all in the word.

BE-A-U-TY.  Be you.

Beauty isn’t about what you wear, how much money you have or your physical characteristics. It’s about how you see yourself when you wake up and look in the mirror.

Where can you find Beauty?

Beauty comes from within.

It’s found in happiness. Who do you choose to surround yourself with everyday? Are these people encouraging? Do they support your decisions and help you grow? Those who push us to reach our goals and become better people increase our happiness—revealing our true beauty.

Beauty comes from helping others.

When’s the last time you volunteered? Or gone out of your way to help someone else without expecting anything in return? Helping those less fortunate is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face—and a smile is beauty’s best accessory.

Giving your time to others shows you’re humble and looking for opportunities to better yourself.

Beauty comes from your inner Goddess

Inside every woman is a kick-ass go-getter. Nothing shows beauty like a driven woman who’s always looking to improve. It’s important to be proud of yourself. Set reachable goals that push you out of your comfort zone. NOTHING is more attractive that a successful, confident individual.

What Defines Beauty?

If you take anything from this blog, take this: beauty is not a size. Even models aren’t as thin as they appear in magazines.

But most importantly, beauty is you—there is no one like you. Spend your time bettering yourself, not trying to be someone else.

Challenge yourself. Take your favorite shade of lipstick and walk to your bathroom mirror. Write, “I am confident, strong and beautiful”.  Every morning when you look in the mirror repeat those words and smile. Today you’re ready to face the world and strut your true beauty.

Written by Contributor Writer: Megan Shankland