What is beautiful? No, I don’t mean what makes you stop and go, “Wow, I wish I looked like that!” or “Where’d she get that outfit, I’m so jealous!” I mean, what is truly beautiful? What are those things and people that just cause a smile to creep on our faces and make the pit of our stomach feel all gushy and warm?
Think about it.
It’s not that skinny little twig of a model with various colored cloths draped around her body, is it? It’s the people of all shapes and sizes that have color in their cheeks, a twinkle in their eye, a smile that may not always be perfect, but it’s perfectly joyous, and arms that wrap you in suffocatingly warm hugs no matter how ugly their day is going. These are the people, my friends, who are truly beautiful.
Do anorexic bodies that are barely breathing, rarely smiling, and are cold and lonely exude warmth and loveliness? No, no they don’t.
What about the large Italian woman that lets no man come between her and her puff pastries, and eats food like she’s returning to a long-lost love? We’ve all seen them in movies; they’re usually the outspoken ones with the big smiles on their faces. And guess what, we think they’re beautiful—not because of the way they look, but because they enjoy their lives.
There’s something to be said for a woman who can look at her body and, though perhaps she isn’t perfectly happy with her weight or the fact that she can’t quite fit into her favorite pair of jeans at the moment, be content! They’re gonna keep going with what they do, and if they feel like grabbing that delicious looking cookie or piece of cake … well by George, they’re gonna do it!
It’s cliché, but it really is what’s on the inside that matters. Don’t let society, your friends, boyfriends, or anyone else tell you otherwise. Focusing on your outward appearance is not what makes you beautiful. In fact, it can make you very discontent and ugly on the inside. Take it from someone who’s been there.
Eat Pray Love (movie title, but also an amazing life motto).
Ciao!
