What is Beautiful

roll with me...

Beauty is in ones confidence.
Because comparison is hard to deny. Because having everything isn't what life requires. Isn't what makes life grand. Confidence is where backbone meets beauty bag. Confidence is slippery. It can change like the tide but to own it, that's when most shine brightest.



Beauty is in self reflection.
Because not every day is a good day. Because we all have room for improvement. Because there are times we wish we had spoken differently or listened harder. Reflection is a chance to sort through the what ifs and the could have beens. And raise our heads with a bit more sense, a bit more dignity.

Beauty is found in patience.
Because life takes time. Dreams take nights to develop. And reactions are permanent.
Patience is a weak area for some, myself for sure. The drive to want it now, have it now is powerful and hungry but life's precious moments are in the small times too.

Beauty is in sacrifice.
Because the selfless acts are of the highest gift one can give and beauty shines from there. Whether the sacrifice be as selfless as life or as a shirt off your back. Giving to one another is of the most beautiful gifts.

Beauty is in childs play.
Because the time of innocence was when our personalities were truly developed. We can not go back and change time, we can't erase or improve upon whats been done. But in the times we spend at childs level, taking in the wonder of the world we can tweak any harshness that has built up inside.

Beauty is in taking care of yourself.
Because when we lead by example we are helping ourselves and others watching. Our little ones, our friends will see the difference it makes when we try to take better care of our bodies. The energy and satisfaction that comes from a workout and a healthy meal effect all that's around us. And definitely lends to the feeling of pretty. If you ask when I feel prettiest, this is the time. Of all the ways to show any beauty I hold this is the time I don't feel any fault, a time I push hardest and work both inside and out.

Beauty is in you being your best you.
Because there is no one out there who can do you better than you. Because this world, these relationships, your home, your workplace wouldn't be the same without you. Waking up each day with a smile and good attitude make you beautiful, that's all it takes. And, in the moments you're slipping, frustrated or sad checking back into the "real" you will provide the strength to stay true to all that makes you pretty and beautiful.

Beauty is also in laughter.
Because laughter is contagious. Because laughing feels good. Because laughing sounds funny. And funny sounds make you laugh more. Because smiles are the pretty, and even if your laugh is out of control at times, you're still filled with an expression of sheer happiness. And happy girls are the pretty girls.

When I read this post by Kristine I was moved. And inspired to be a part of the I am Beautiful link up, I felt like this topic was important to me. I checked the clock and knew my time was short to develop a post. I chose to pick through my blog, finding pictures that reflected upon times I felt most happy, most pretty and even times I felt conflicted and was working hard inside to stay pretty. Maybe my post isn't exactly what was in mind for the link up but these are POINTS I consider when I'm doubting my own beauty. And points I see in others that hold true beauty. I always, always look within for beauty. I think we are all beautiful. Beauty has no one size, no one brand. That's what makes beautiful - beautiful.

I think these feelings play a part in the Be All The Way Strong challenge too.

I hope when my boys are grown they understand to look deeper for true beauty. I hope they understand that beauty lies within a woman not just within her makeup bag and walk-in closet. I hope they see curves as lure and sex appeal but consistency and composure as beauty.





Linking with On The Heart
Random Wednesdays, I Feel Pretty, Wednesday Walkabout,


...happy to have Max with me this month...