I have often struggled to find the beauty within myself. I don’t necessarily fit into the typical “beauty mold” and have often not found beauty when looking into the mirror. I am not a size 4 with flawless hair and skin, I don’t have the natural confidence and grace of the undoubtably beautiful actors, musicians, and models that we usually think of when we hear the word “Beautiful”.
I feel most comfortable with myself when I am in my favorite outfits, with my hair styled, and my makeup on point but I struggle to find beauty behind all of my [perceived] flaws; the flab on my arms and the curve of my belly, the fly-aways that I just can’t tame, the dry skin and fine lines on my face.
It is so much easier to be critical of ourselves than to see the good, the beauty; especially because we have been told what is beautiful our entire lives through TV ads, kids at school, a rejection from a crush, and many other life experiences that shape the way we see ourselves. In reality, beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and skin-tones but young people are often brainwashed to believe that they are not beautiful before they have a chance to develop self-confidence and self-love; that was certainly the case for me.
I endeavor to find more beauty (and confidence) within, to find the prettiest version of myself (inside and out). I hope that sharing my journey along the way helps to inspire others to do the same. We are all unique and we are all beautiful!
I would love to hear what makes you feel beautiful, what struggles you have faced to find the beauty within, and how you may be working to overcome those struggles.
xx- Kaelyn