Self-Improvement: Embracing Your Own Beauty Journey
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Chapter 1: The Quest for Validation
I often find myself feeling merely "adequate." You know, the type of person others might describe with, “She has a lovely personality.” Even that might be pushing it a bit. The compliments I usually receive are along the lines of, “You have striking eyes” or “You’re quite charming.” While I genuinely appreciate these sentiments, they often feel like second-tier compliments, failing to silence the internal voice yearning for acknowledgment about my looks.
Like many women, I fantasize about hearing, “You’re stunning” or “You’re incredible.” I even daydream about the words I wish to hear spoken at my memorial: “Her smile brightened every room. She was full of life. She radiated beauty.” You might think it’s odd to contemplate one’s own funeral, and you’d be right! My mental health, which is both complex and humorous, is a subject for another discussion.
Regarding those compliments, I realize I may never hear, “You’re breathtaking.” I could try to justify this by saying I’m past my prime, but that would be an oversimplification. After all, when you’re gone, it’s impossible to hear what others say about you.
The body positivity movement and self-acceptance are hot topics these days, and I completely understand their appeal. We all desire to feel comfortable in our own skin. However, therein lies the dilemma: while raising awareness about the standards of physical beauty is important, expecting others to embrace our “mediocrity” as beautiful is quite another matter.
Ultimately, it is our responsibility to feel comfortable in our own bodies.
Chapter 2: The Envy of Beauty
I find myself envious of women who effortlessly receive compliments. I’m not referring to those who rely on personal trainers, cosmetic enhancements, or surgical procedures. I mean those women who appear consistently polished, as if by some enchanting spell. I often perceive them as if they possess some supernatural charm that I lack. This narrative I create allows me to indulge in my own pity party.
I seldom pause to recognize the dedication and time it takes to cultivate beauty. We can wish, dream, and envy all we like, but that won’t change our own appearance. If you relate to this sentiment, I encourage some self-reflection. The truth may sting, yet it can also liberate us.
- I fantasize about being “put together.”
- Reality: I enjoy dreaming because it allows me to escape. Sleeping is my favorite pastime.
- I wish for a flawless complexion.
- Reality: I don’t typically wear much makeup; it requires time to create a masterpiece.
- I desire a neat and polished look.
- Reality: My clothes often end up wrinkled because I haphazardly toss them into drawers and rely on the dryer as an iron.
- Her eyebrows are perfectly shaped.
- Reality: Mine resemble a caterpillar because I won’t take the extra time to groom them.
- I want beautiful nails.
- Reality: My nails are sharp enough to serve as a box cutter because I neglect to file them.
- I envy her figure.
- Reality: I prefer indulging in donuts over healthy meals like salmon and broccoli, and I choose reading and writing over exercising.
- Her hair is immaculate.
- Reality: My hair often looks like a bird’s nest because I won’t invest the hour needed to style it properly.
- Her accessories are fabulous.
- Reality: I wear the same jewelry and shoes because I can’t be bothered to organize my collection.
There it is, plain and simple: I lack the motivation to pursue beauty!
Being beautiful is a conscious choice that necessitates effort and time, just like anything else in life. The women I envy have made the necessary choices to earn those compliments. If I decide to prioritize beauty and invest more time in my appearance, perhaps I too will receive some of those flattering remarks!
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