The world is so harsh these days. I mean think about it..girls have to be skinny, have boobs, wear tons of make-up, and act ditzy in order to be "beautiful" (so says the magazines) and guys have to be skinny, yet buff and drive the nicest cars. What has society come to? It makes me sick to think that these are the rules and regulations that run the world right now. I fear that one day when I'm a mother, that my daughter never feels like she isn't skinny enough or pretty enough for society to accept her.
There are so many things wrong in this world and I believe that this concept of "beauty" is one of the main things that could so easily be fixed. If the world stopped telling us what was beautiful to everyone; beauty is not something that you can pinpoint. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is one of the truest statements that has ever been spoken. Beauty comes in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, as cliche as it sounds, it is true. You cannot tell me what everyone thinks is beautiful because everyone is NOT the same person. Just like you can't pinpoint exactly what is considered to be "ugly" or "hot" because we all have different opinions.
I'm coming at this from a women's point of view seeing how as I am a woman, but I don't just speak on behalf of women, this goes for men to. Women stereotypes get called out more than men because they seem to have much more of an effect. Although this may be true, men stereotypes can be just as bad. Men don't let it show, but it effects them more than what society reveals.
It's so difficult to just want to feel beautiful sometimes. I feel like I have to wear the right clothes or make sure my make-up is just perfect. Sometimes it is a real drag to have to make myself feel beautiful enough. I just want to be able to walk around in sweats with no make-up on and my hair up and feel beautiful. I want people to have to see me for me, no fronts, no masks, just the real, true beautiful me.
One of the most liberating, humbling experiences I have ever had when it comes to beauty is something called "Confidence Week". It was a week full of no mirrors, no make-up, no hair products, just a white t-shirt, and jeans. It was the coolest thing in the world. People started to recognize that something was different and I believe it truly changed lives. It was awesome to see how many people actually participated. I headed it up at my youth group and from there spread it throughout all the different schools in my home town. It was awesome to walk down the hall and see people I didn't even know participate. Although I've only done it for one week out of my entire life, it really put things into perspective for me.
It just really proved to me how much time I actually spent getting ready in the morning, doing my hair and make-up. We should never spend that much time on ourselves just so other people like us. This world has its ideals; they have completely failed the human race, there seems like there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. FALSE.
Change your ways. Don't stand behind what the world values. If you think someone is pretty tell them, if you like someone's outfit or hair just let them know. You might feel weird or think they'll freak out if they don't know you, but honestly it's one of the easiest, most liberating feelings in the world. You know how awesome it is to be told that someone likes something about you? And I mean that's coming from someone that knows you and you usually spend time with. Imagine if a stranger did that to you! They don't know your story, your past or the mistakes you've made, they simply see you for you. It is amazing what a few kind words to do for a person.
You don't know where someone stands in their life just by glancing at them, you could be changing someone's life. You could be the reason they choose not to take their life or choose to smile at the person every one is putting down. Good actions have good repercussions and a good deed does not go unnoticed. It starts a chain reaction whether you live to see it or not. You know, if you know the negative effects of something bad happening, how can you not see the joys and awesome things that could come from something good? Not to mention, it's making a positive impact in someone else's life.
Just take a moment to think about how good you feel when someone compliments you. Why would you not want to make someone feel that way? There's no excuse for not going out there and showing the world that there is a positive light somewhere. I know it's hard and you might get discouraged, but don't. Just think about how it makes you feel. You know you want to make a change in someone's life, then do this. It's a simple task. Although you may feel like you really won't make an impact this way, I'm going to tell you you are wrong. Have faith that what you say and who you say it to will be a light for the world.
I want to challenge you. Next time you like a guy's shirt or think a girl is pretty, let them know. It might not be tomorrow or next week, but don't hold back. You never know what can come from it. Why not take a chance? Learn to live, but do it positively.
Until next time....
xoxox
