Throughout most of my adolescence, I was collecting two things: compliments & a sinking level of self-esteem. I would lie in bed, not understanding why the correlation fell short.
You'd think compliments = good self-esteem. But this just simply isn't always the case.
Because the truth is... there is a vast difference in looking beautiful & feeling beautiful. This realization has humbled me beyond belief & provided me a sense of power that no cosmetic aisle could ever provide.
True beauty comes from within. Yes, it's cliche. And yes, it's oversaid. But if you really let that sink in - like really let that sink in... liberation is yours.
You see, I was never a girly girl. I grew up playing sports, wearing ponytails & hanging out at the basketball courts with the guys. And being a foot taller than all the boys in school didn't really help with the whole "feeling pretty department".
But here's the thing, there were times I DID feel absolutely beautiful & confident. It's taken me years to understand those moments & what causes it. Because it definitely wasn't the times I was all dolled up & looked beautiful. Rather, it's the time I felt beautiful.
Once I examined these differences, I've figured out what causes me to feel my most beautiful.
1. When I am moving my body
After playing sports, taking a run or spending time at the gym. My hair is a mess, I'm rocking a bare, makeup-less face and my scent isn't all too pleasant, to say the least. But boy, do I feel on top of the world.
I am putting myself first. I am telling myself that my body is important enough to love and take care of.
There's something powerful about the sweat you see dripping down your face when looking in a mirror after moving your body.
2. When I stand up for myself
This is something I struggled with my whole life. Taking a stand for yourself is no easy task. I worried about being offensive, sounding rude or just straight up not feeling "worthy" enough.
I remember the first time I said "no" and really meant it. I felt powerful. I felt confident. And quickly I realized, I felt REAL.
And, catering to that side of me — the very real side of me — makes me feel more honest. And, honesty is so dang beautiful.
3. When I am nourishing my body
This one almost goes without saying. Food = life. And when I am giving my body good food, I definitely feel the difference.
Similarly to the way I feel after a good workout, giving my body the nutrition it needs makes me feel like I am loving my body and telling myself it's important enough to take care of.
I don't believe in after guilt when indulging in a sweet treat. However, if I focus on making my overall lifestyle full of healthy choices, then I not only feel good on the inside - my skin, my energy, my hair, etc. looks good on the outside.
Over the years, I've found that I feel the most beautiful when I am putting my body and emotional needs first.
And what's fascinating is that a new study has discovered a link between your mind and skin. Scientists are finding out that when you're feeling your best, you are also likely to have your best-looking skin.
So as overrated as it sounds... beauty really does come from within.
There’s a direct correlation between inner beauty and outer beauty – the way you view yourself is the way others view you, too. When you’re feeling happy, relaxed, and turned on by life, you radiate that energy—and everyone can see it.
So what is it? What makes YOU feel the most beautiful?
After so many years of looking for approval from others and being body shamed, I have learned to not only accept myself the way I am but also take one day at a time. My weight right now is not where I’d like it to be but I am striving to eat more healthy. So, I definitely am blessed to be healthy and to be able to do alot of things that people my age normally have difficulty doing.
Great article. I feel most beautiful when I’m refreshed and rejuvenated. Hydrated, relaxed and a soak in the tub makes me feel younger and looking in the mirror I can smile.
I have a lot of weight to lose but I feel most beautiful when I am doing good things for my body, when I skip fast food- not because I’m not “allowed” but because I’m treating myself right. It just feels good.
I have a lot of weight to lose but I feel most beautiful when I am doing good things for my body, when I skip fast food- not because I’m not “allowed” but because I’m treating myself right. It just feels good.
Thank you ❤️ I guess I have spent a large part of my life placing my value on other people’s compliments. I feel amazing when I exercise. I look fantastic after a full day of hydration. I love myself more now and I am beautiful
This is the best advice!!! Love it! Thank you for helping me to remember that! ❤️
Thank you for this. There are so many occasions when I feel this way and thought I was alone. This was great to read. This will help to get me started to work on myself from within.
Thank you for this motivational reading. I really needed this I struggle with self image and very bad self esteem thank you now I can pay attention to the way I look at myself and how I treat myself
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Tracy S
July 29, 2020
Thank you for this , I thought was alone. I feel so good after I’ve exercise and see the sweat rolling down my face.