There are many influences in society that stress the need to be as beautiful as possible. For those who do not meet this "ideal," there is a sense of failure. As if your success is based on how skinny or pretty you can become.
The problem is simply that no one can ever really meet perfection. The concept is constantly changing. One moment you're supposed to have a thigh gap, and the next it is crucial to curves like Kim Kardashian.
I have been there. I have been so obsessed with how I look that I forgot about things that really matter in life.
I read an article once from the perspective of a daughter who wrote about her mother's insecurities. She discussed challenges mothers face such as wearing a bathing suit after having a baby. The daughter made a very valid point. She claimed that she never remembered her mother looking fat in a bikini or having cellulite on her legs. Instead, she remembered how much she loved spending time with someone she loved.
I believe we forget this concept all too often. We search love in everything we do. Somehow, in our fucked up realities, we convinced ourselves that we will be loved more if we are stereotypically beautiful.
Excuse my language, but that is bullshit.
When we chase the appearance ideal, we lose the things that make us uniquely beautiful. Why would we all want to look the same?
Every curve, wrinkle, freckle, and quirk about your body makes you the most perfect version of yourself. Sometimes it is hard to see this. I know how hard it is to accept yourself for who you are. It is so easy to get caught up in the "I wish I was" rather than the "I am happy I am."
But life is short, it is purposeful and meaningful. Occasionally, it hurts. Peoples words are cruel. Right when you are happy with yourself, someone will knock you down again. Do not let them keep you down.
Be bold. Do not be afraid to love yourself for who you are.
Honestly, there have been periods of my life where I hate myself. I hate my weight, my height, my hair, my nose, sometimes i think my neck is too fat, and my butt is saggy.
However, I know that most of these are in my head. I know that for the most part, I am the only one who cares about these things because my friends love me for me. The were my friends at my fattest and my thinnest. They loved me through it all.
In honor of overcoming the negativity we all succumb to at some point I complied a list of 50 things I would rather be than pretty. At the end of the day, I hope people remember me for something important.
1. Smart
2. Funny
3. Strong
4. Genuine
5. Kind
6. Open-minded
7. Loyal
8. Vivacious
9. Curious
10. Humble
11. Bold
12. Ambitious
13. Independent
14. Clever
15. Brave
16. Honest
17. Inspirational
18. Friendly
19. Outgoing
20. Engaging
21. Respected
22. Silly
23. Confident
24. Authentic
25. Fun
26. Supportive
27. Patient
28. Captivating
29. Insightful
30. Badass
31. Empathetic
32. Quirky
33. Dedicated
34. Caring
35. Generous
36. Freethinking
37. Healthy
38. Optimistic
39. Personable
40. Responsible
41. Witty
42. Charming
43. Helpful
44. Loving
45. Trustworthy
46. Dignified
47. Reckless
48. Classy
49. Patient
50. Fearless
So, every time you feel like the world is too large and you are too small. Remember all the amazing things that make you unique.
