My roommate this year said that she doesn’t like the word ‘beautiful’ because it has been cheapened by its casual use. I would like to clarify that in my mind, ‘beauty’ is more than just aesthetically pleasing. To say something is beautiful is to comprehend the finesse required to create such a being that is similar to, but unlike, any other. To me, saying “you’re beautiful” is simply me admiring what God has done when he created you – from your body shape to your quirks.
I feel like this season in particular is one wherein people tend to struggle with self-confidence. People are wearing less clothing and it feels like people are more judgmental of body type. As a result, people who are sensitive about their looks tend to feel out of place during this time when people are showing more skin. This goes for guys (who may feel self-conscious about muscle mass) and girls (who may be concerned about figure).
I want to remind you that you’re beautiful. Yes, that guy is also beautiful. You are beautiful. Yes, that girl is also beautiful. You’re all beautiful.
We’ve honestly been brainwashed into thinking that only a certain combination of traits is beautiful, and that’s just not true. Beauty can be seen in the myriad of the genes; just a slight change in a miniscule area can change your traits. This beauty stems from the fact that you are truly unique. There is no one in this world that looks exactly like you. You add variety into the world. You matter.
More than that, beauty can be seen in the silly faces you make, how you sound when you’re stressed out and how you stare at the ceiling when you’re finished with finals. We are not made to be critiqued by the standards of man that change so often. Beauty is composed of both inner appeal and outer appearance. Since there is no way to measure beauty exactly, we must conclude that beauty is something innate within us. It is simply waiting to be discovered.
Whether you shave your legs, lift weights, dye your hair, diet or eat all the ice cream you can – what is beautiful is you.
This summer, treat yourself like you are the most valuable you in the world, because you are. You’re the rare, limited-edition, mint condition you in this season. You’re the coveted last slice of pizza, you’re the first bite of food after waiting, you’re the chilled smoothie on a 90 degree day. You’re so amazing. I only hope that during this summer you would come to understand just how truly awe-inspiring you are.
Photo Credit: Cover, 1.