Why Can't You See How Beautiful You Are?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why Can't You See How Beautiful You Are?

How Rupi Kaur's ideas converge with all of ours

4482
Why Can't You See How Beautiful You Are?
pinterest.com

If a supernova took place, but you couldn't see the sky because of industrial pollution, does that mean that there isn't a star out there?

If a person does something nice, or looks especially great, but no one tells them how lovely they are, does that mean they aren't beautiful?

Writer and activist Rupi Kaur reminds me with her poetry that it doesn't take the comments of an adolescent boy for a girl to understand that she is beautiful. A lot of Kaur's pieces become relevant within this very piece:

"...how cruel I was to myself. giving you credit for my warmth simply because you refused to take your eyes off it. as if i was already not these things before i met you as if i did not remain all these once you left."

- rupi kaur

She (you) can be confident. She is growing, learning and always giving, even if it's a piece of herself. She is enough.

Although I can't completely agree with all of Kaur's ideas, many of them resonate with me to the point where I can actually feel my heart hurting at times. That's not common for someone who's been told that her heart is made of stone (that's right, Calcutta Gold marble!)


To be shut out of a circle, rejected, or be alone in a crowded room can make a person feel really small. So take your chance, as a dot on the map, to make as big of a difference as one person can.

You're disciplined because of all the moments you exercised your patience, even when dealing with less than deserving people. They got a little out of it, but you got a lot as you learned and grew from your hardships.

You're strong because you put your foot down and conduct business. Even if you were called a bitch or bossy you knew that things had to be done, whether someone decided to have an unsympathetic perception of you or not.

You throw your hair back, roll up your sleeves, and tackle the day in spite of the fact that this world can be less than welcoming.

Your heart continues to beat even though people tried to crush it--and metaphorically, they probably did. If you're reading this, you're still alive..

You've got your needle and your thread, you've always stitched yourself back together. Whether you've got dainty little legs, or strong athletic thighs, you stand on the bones of your own body as your knees refuse to buckle to voices of doubt.

(This gif pretty much happens to describes what I'm getting at.)

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Fstatic%2F53f91163e4b0a085e8d24e89%2F544eabe7e4b00059eab2ef77%2F544eabf6e4b08a849f7e36f2%2F1414441977708%2Ftumblr_mcpnwzxmbl1qi1gl0o1_500.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic1.squarespace.com&s=437&h=edb097914c154920abe4ed74b9f42d186e191430613ee86a00a11e6e76c646de&size=980x&c=118768688 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Fstatic%252F53f91163e4b0a085e8d24e89%252F544eabe7e4b00059eab2ef77%252F544eabf6e4b08a849f7e36f2%252F1414441977708%252Ftumblr_mcpnwzxmbl1qi1gl0o1_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fstatic1.squarespace.com%26s%3D437%26h%3Dedb097914c154920abe4ed74b9f42d186e191430613ee86a00a11e6e76c646de%26size%3D980x%26c%3D118768688%22%7D" expand=1]

You've figured out where to find your sufficiency. Growing towards the sunlight of people who lift you up, and focusing on what makes you better is your tropism as you cut out the harmful chemicals, the things that you've learned to lean away from.

Your heart is made of stone for the starless nights, and it is made of ice when the sky is on fire with sunrise. You put your head on the ground for the things that matter; you're secure enough to know that it's okay to accept your human mistakes.

When you have a breakout, you've got reactions in your system that remind you you're still functioning. The weight of the world can be on your shoulders sometimes, so why would the skin on your face be flawless? Why shouldn't the veins in your ankles show up when you've hustled for miles? How could your skin not stretch when your frame has undergone expansion as you grew into something new? Why wouldn't laugh and worry lines show up on your face when you've spent a lifetime sharing in the joy and sorrow of others?

It's normal to be conscious, but one of our battles is not letting others make us feel like less of a person just because of the physical changes we undergo as we grow.

You don't become beautiful because someone calls you beautiful. You are beautiful. Every time you feed the needy, massage your mom's feet, and kick butt on your report card, you are showing your beauty. It is never truly hidden away.

Even when others don't agree with your choices, you make decisions that make you stronger. It took years of trial-and-error, pain, smiles, tears, and doubt to learn and to get you where you are. The beauty might not show here, but it's a part of you and still somehow exists in this odd universe.

The only pity you should feel is for those who wouldn't experience existing with you. How lucky you are, to see the colors behind your eyes when you close them, glows that others will never know.

It could take a million years for people to see the star that was a supernova. I'm talking about you girl.

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F07%2F18%2F6360441939201681451299604160_Supernova-girl-1456864063.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=53&h=01b8a21097c192296d16a1719986a0b5da15b7f21977838447ff50b4438090a6&size=980x&c=2218417751 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F07%252F18%252F6360441939201681451299604160_Supernova-girl-1456864063.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D53%26h%3D01b8a21097c192296d16a1719986a0b5da15b7f21977838447ff50b4438090a6%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2218417751%22%7D" expand=1]

So stand with dignity, even if you stand outside the circle. There is something to be learned from everything, watch from the outside if you have to. This is not about pride or conceit, its about feeling complete with yourself to the point that you don't need the approval of strangers to be able to breath the air that keeps your spirit alive.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Deep in the Heart of Texas

A Texan's responsibilities when introducing an out-of-stater to Texas culture.

99

While in college, you are bound to be friends with at least one person who is not from Texas. Now Texas is a culture of its own, and it is up to you to help introduce them to some good ole Texas traditions during their time here. Show your friends that famous Southern hospitality!

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Marching Through March

Some appreciation for the month of March.

803
Pexels

I love the entire year. Well, for the most part. I'm not a big fan of Winter, but even then, every month has something that's pretty great. November? Thanksgiving. December? Winter Holidays. January? New Year's. February? Valentine's and Single Awareness Day. May? Existential dread during finals. But for me, March has always been my favorite month of the year, and for good reason.

Keep Reading... Show less
Content Inspiration

Top 3 Response Articles of This Week

See what's trending in our creator community!

2187
Top 3 Response Articles of This Week
gouletballet.files.wordpress.com

Welcome to post-spring break week on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you hit the books again. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

5 high paying jobs don't need a college degree

Trade School Graduates Make Lucrative Careers Without College Debt

4987
5 high paying jobs don't need a college degree

The common belief that a college degree is a prerequisite for a high-paying job is no longer as accurate as it once was. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, many lucrative career opportunities do not require a traditional four-year degree. As an expert in career development and workforce trends.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

The Enduring Legacy of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon

Its the 50 year anniversary

4919
The Enduring Legacy of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon

Since its release on March, 1973, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and influential albums in the history of rock music. Combining thought-provoking lyrics, innovative production techniques, and a captivating album cover, it captured the imagination of millions of listeners and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. In this article, we delve into the making, themes, and enduring influence of this groundbreaking album.

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments