Last summer was a summer of many firsts. I had my first long-distance relationship, my first manufacturing job, and my first summer back from college. There were many challenges throughout that summer, but it only made me a stronger person.
Working in a manufacturing facility was a very different and interesting situation. During my time there, I made new friends and learned so much new information. Towards the end of the summer, I started to pick up more overtime to get that little extra money that I still needed for my tuition. Since I was picking up more hours, they were at odd times. I would be working at six in the morning until early afternoon. Not being a morning person, I would roll out of bed, get dressed, grab my coffee, and go.
The first time I worked this early shift, I showed up with no makeup on. This was not a normal thing for me. I never had the confidence to leave my house without a full face of makeup. Showing up for the first time without any on was a big step for me. I was unhappy with how I looked because I cared too much about what other people thought of me. When I showed up that first day, I don’t think I could ever be prepared for what happened next. The first thing one of my team members said to me was, “Wow, you’re ugly.”
I was devastated. I was so hurt by someone saying this to me, especially because I felt confident enough to not wear makeup for the first time in a very long time. It took me a lot to get over this. After this situation, he continued to call me ugly. Going to work was now much less enjoyable.
But after a lot of deep thinking, I realized that I don’t need the validation of my looks from others to know that I’m beautiful. Being a Christian, I know that I am beautiful the way God created me with or without makeup on and I would not want to look like anyone else. I’m blessed with a loving family, amazing friends, and an incredible boyfriend that love me no matter what. But what matters most is that I love me and I can proudly say that I do. I don’t need makeup or filters and I still look flawless.
Choosing to love myself and how I look made life so much easier. I have found beauty in myself without wearing makeup and dressing however I want to. I have stopped caring so much of what people think of me and that has made me really enjoy my life. I am so happy with my life now, and I love that I can proudly say I love myself too.