The Recognition and Appreciation of Your Own Beauty

I'm sure we could all agree that sunsets, chubby babies, and rainbows are beautiful. At the same time, we also posses unique differences in our personal view when it comes to what we deem as beautiful. With our individual view, we find beauty all around us. I am writing this post today in order for you, dear reader, to recognize the beauty that is you. This is not a superficial statement, it is a truth in being.


Every individual born on this planet is a miracle to behold, and in this there is great beauty. Unfortunately we, as a society, have put unrealistic visions in our heads of what we are supposed to accept as being beautiful. I am here to tell you that these standards are not what real beauty is about and never will be because beauty is all inclusive.

You're personal beauty not only lies in your appearance but also within you. This combination, once recognized, will have a glowing effect on your life. It will also give you the confidence to spread your light upon those around you. Any negative voices need to be put out of your head so that you are free to accept the fact that you are worthy of others adoration. You are in control of your own standards and well being. You are a gift to yourself as well as others. You are beautiful!

Perfectly Imperfect the Key to Character and a Self Assured Outlook ....

Pictured below is an antique piano given to us by very dear friends. As you can see, on the exterior, the original casters are missing. What you can't see, on the interior, is the inner workings that will not allow for it to stay in tune any longer. What you hear is a mostly off key instrument with a few good notes in between. I find great beauty and joy in this piece, in all of it's imperfections, and for the character it holds within. I thought that this would serve as an appropriate metaphor for this post. Even the lamp that sits on top (pictured below) is missing some of its original crystals which I have attempted to replace over time.

Ok, I'll be the first to admit it, I can be bit of a perfectionist. It's just part of my genetic makeup. I work hard on curbing my critical nature, but at the same time, I feel fortunate to be this way because it helps me to stay focused. I am most critical when it comes to myself, in all aspects of my being, from the superficial to the supremely important things; yet when it comes to the world around me, I find the most beauty in its imperfections.

First let me express my thoughts on perfection. I truly believe that the whole concept of perfection is an unachievable myth. Those who try to achieve perfection never really get there because there will inevitably be an even higher accomplishment or standard set right in front of them, which makes it a constant and almost infinite plight. Perfection is also quite subjective. What I deem as perfect, you may not, and visa versa. Also, if someone presents themselves to others as being perfect then, well, there are just too many internal issues within their being for me to consider delving into on this post. We can visit that type of person at another time. Let's just say, for now, that they are not.

The dents, dings, and lopsidedness of it all is what really gives me great joy! This goes for all living things as well as objects. For example, the used chest that has the veneer peeling off a bit is more appealing to me with it's old patina than a brand new one. The old house, even though it needs a lot of work, gives me goosebumps as opposed  to the ones in the newest development. The quirky old friend that I just cannot figure out and older women that carry themselves with class and grace are way more pleasing to me than the opposites of the aforementioned. All theses examples have one common thread running throughout: character.

 You see, perfection really does not rate high on the character scale with me. I believe that in imperfection, you find the real beauty within yourself and the world around you. The seasoned individual, the well developed soul, the wisdom accumulated through a lifetime of trial and error, and the untuneable old piano.

I would like you to be able to find the peaceful truth of this overshadowed beauty within you and to reach out into your surroundings while embracing its imperfection of character. To be comfortable with your body, home, and the ones you love. Not to be expecting this unattainable myth of yourself, or anyone you know, because moving forward you'll find that this is an unreasonable request and will ultimately leave you damaged, disappointed, and unassured. Also, do not ever let anyone put these expectations of their perception of perfection onto you. You cannot and should not live up to those unreasonable standards because you are already perfectly imperfect. Be blessed, be happy, and be you !!

Sometimes, Bad Things Happen to Good People for No Reason.... Really.

I have always found it a bit difficult to have sympathy for good people who make blatantly bad decisions and then cry about the resulting negative consequences afterwards. On the other hand, when I see horrible adversities thrust upon those who are in no way deserving or responsible, my heart bleeds for them. We all have had these types of challenges brought to us in one way or another, some being much more severe than ever anticipated.

Whenever I have been faced with one of these tragedies, I've tried to reflect and learn as much as I could from it and to turn that experience around to be an asset of sorts. Whether I share my experience with others who have found themselves in the same situation or to makes things right by advocating for the victim, I always realize that my vision on the world around me has taken on a slightly different perspective for the better.

In any circumstance, we all have the same question: "Why?" or "Why Me?" Well, for the ones that have made a bad choice, that answer is always quite clear and comes with time and enlightenment. But for those find themselves legitimately victimized by horrid events, I have the answer: "There is no good reason and you may never fully recover; and that's OK."

Let me try and explain my theory a bit better. I feel as though we are all interconnected on this earth, therefore we all matter and no one is more significant than another. For example: There is a plane crash and 100 out 123 people die. Were 23 of these souls more important than the other 100? Did they maybe pray harder? Did the dead all live lives full of evil doings, and therefore, deserve to die in a big flaming ball of fire? The simple answer is NO! Now, in retrospect, anyone can say that none of them should have gotten on the plane in the first place and so they were all responsible for their demise, but really?

I know that this was a very simplistic example, but what I am trying to ultimately convey is a sense of peace and understanding. That bad things just happen to good people and it's painful to watch these poor souls in the aftermath trying to figure out and justify what has just happened to them. Some carry these questions around for the rest of their entire lives with no answers in sight. In doing so, it is very difficult to try to (with time) do some healing. Some wounds will never fully heal and that's OK also. I just want to help alleviate some of the burden; to tell you that it's alright and that you have no responsibility and you will not have an answer to these questions simply because there is none.

Please do not misunderstand my motivations for this post, as I am an avid believer in prayer and I'm probably one of the most hopeful people you'd ever know. I wish light and love to guide you through these hard times with a little less guilt and the second guessing along the way. May a peaceful and harmonious road await you.


NOTE: I write these blog posts from a Spiritual perspective as opposed to a Religious one. Reason being, I want my blog to be All inclusive and therefore, would Never want to offend anyone. I am accepting of all peoples no matter what they do or do not believe. Peace ;-)

Go Ahead, Turn that Frown Upside Down and SMILE!!!

I'm quite sure I was born with a smile on my face. I am innately a smiler and hugger. It does not matter if I know you or not, smiles (and hugs) are given often and freely by me, and I am grateful to be this way; for a smile given to another is a wonderful gift. It always has a positive impact on the recipient. When you smile you look prettier (or more handsome), for your face glows and light shines through your eyes. Facial recognition shows acceptance and approval to others. It makes you feel good on the inside while sharing your kindness outwardly.

Smiles cost nothing. They are easy to make, they help you to feel better when you are sad, depressed, or angry. And, when given freely, they a have payback of tenfold.

Being an avid smiler, at the same time, I also realize that this form of expression can be very difficult for some. Whether they are going through a very difficult period or just have a hard time showing their feelings. The latter, may view smiling as a weakness or vulnerability. I am here to tell you that it is not. It is both beautiful and fulfilling!

So please smile wide and often. And if no one has smiled upon you today, be my guest and take this post as my big smile to you, because you matter and deserve it! Oh yeah, and here's a quick hug. Now, go out and share!