I, as well as any other woman out there, often find myself caught in an envious stare at another girl almost every day. I think to myself, “Wow, that person is so beautiful. I wish I could radiate like that.” They have something I want: Eyes a brighter shade of blue, a better body, a different facial structure, longer lashes, naturally beautiful hair, confidence to stride out into the world and feel beautiful. It’s a rare day that I feel beautiful. Perhaps it’s the societal pressures to look a certain way, or that I’ve been trained to envy other women.
Women grow up being taught to envy. Women grow up being taught to not only body-shame others, but themselves as well. Women grow up with the world spitting in their faces, forcing them into smaller jeans, and picking apart their appearance until they cringe every time they look in the mirror.
However, good news awaits us: The world does not have a limited number of beautiful people. Another gorgeous person does not take away from your own vibrancy. It does not mean you are less of a person. Do not feel like you have to conform to any standard or a cookie-cutter person.
Let me tell you something: None of the seasons are alike. There are obvious differences, yet, they are all breathtaking. There is beauty in the lush greens of summer, the sun beating down upon them, making the world feel a little brighter. There is beauty in the overlapping blankets of snow in winter, an essence of stillness. The diluted, dewy sun in winter makes everyone feel just a little calmer, more at ease. Spring brings life and pastels like a watercolor painting. Fall comes quietly and subtly, one leaf here, another there, greens slowly fading into orange. The temperature drops, the holiday season goes into effect, and for a moment, the overwhelming boldness of summer dies down.
If you catch yourself feeling down remind yourself of your own delicacy, your own grace, and your own elegance. Point out the things you love about yourself. Your smile. Your laugh. Your skills in makeup. Your style. Your eyelashes. Embrace them and celebrate your beauty often. Let yourself have confidence. Try not to cower in it. You can do it. I promise. Even though the entire world feels beautiful, you are equally as beautiful, too.
