One of the oldest sayings of time is “don’t judge a book by its cover”. We always hear this saying first at a young age when we are learning to read, but then as we grow older, the meaning of this phrase changes. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” means not to judge a person by their physical appearance.
As humans we shouldn’t be defined by our looks, gender, or race. But unfortunately, we do define each other by them. We give into the common stereotypes: “Blondes aren’t smart”, “Black people are mostly criminals”, “Girls who wear tight clothes are sluts”, “Men are stronger than women”, and the list goes on.
In our society today, you hear these sayings and phrases often. We start to believe these characteristics about ourselves based on our appearance. We get so focused on these things that we forget that there is more to us than our looks.
You are strong.
Whether it is mental strength or physical strength, everyone has it in them. You can’t judge someone’s strength by what is on the outside. Yes, if someone has big muscles than they are most likely strong, but even people with little muscles can surprise you and be just as strong. There are people who are stronger mentally rather than physically and that is okay too.
You are smart.
No matter the color of your hair or your ethnic background, everyone is smart in their own special way. Some people are book smart or common sense smart; while others are smart in specific area like sports or music.
You are unique.
Even if you dress with a unique style, people will still categorize you, but you have to realize you aren’t unique because of your style; you are unique because of your personality. Who you are on the inside is what gives you your uniqueness and the little things you do. Your smile, your laugh, your personality, no one else has those, but you. That is what makes you unique, not the the bright pink in your hair.
You are special.
“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss. There is someone out there for everyone and that person will see how special you are. We are all special in our own way. Unfortunately, not everyone will see that, but you need to know you will always be special to someone. That someone will see that your specialness is not seen through your looks, but through your heart.
You are beautiful.
This is my most important to remember; no matter what anyone says about you, you are beautiful. No one can take that away from you. You are beautiful in every way.
