Beautiful As You Are...

“You are more powerful than you know; you are beautiful just as you are.” ~ Melissa Etheridge

When I read this quote, the first thing that came to mind was how much money and time we spend on cosmetics, hair, and other artificial motivators to beautify ourselves. I am definitely guilty of this.

Why can't we learn to love ourselves as we are? Why do we worry so much about what others think of us? Why are we inclined to remake our image into what we believe society says it should be?

At some point in our lives we brought into the socialistic hype that we are supposed to fit into the image of the models we see on TV, magazines, and billboards. Our thoughts about what is beautiful and acceptable are not molded by the image we see in the mirror. And oftentimes not even the image of the women around us; rather the stereotypical model that is pushed upon us from an early age.

Why am I on this rant? My daughter has a friend who's already under the harsh glare of the female role models in her life, who says she shouldn't eat this, and she can't eat that, and she MUST limit her portions so that she will remain rail thin. This led into a conversation between my daughter and I about how often adults push their theory of what's acceptable onto children, to the point many teenagers are becoming bulimic and anorexic to fit into the stereotypical mold. My daughter pointed out that many parents don't realize it until it's too late.

The only way we can teach our daughters to love themselves and just be the best they can be one day at a time, is by setting the example. Are we loving ourselves? Are we being the best we can be daily? Are we projecting an image of self-love, self-acceptance, and humility?

More often than not, I'm sad to say that I don't. Yes, I embraced my naturalista style in terms of my hair approximately three years ago. And I love it. I'm not on a diet craze, although it would do me well to work out. However, I don't abstain from the makeup. I refuse to leave the house without it on most days. Lately, I've begun to challenge myself to leave it all behind, and step out of the house carefree. Those days...my children believe that's my most gorgeous self. My husband? He loves me either way, as long as I'm happy.

What say you? Are you being the best you that you can be? Or do you conform to society's standards of what is accepted as beautiful?

Thank you for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment.

If you have enjoyed this post click "LIKE" and Tweet it to your followers.

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!