Seeking Beauty

Every individual likes to put his or her best foot forward, be it in his or her professional or personal life. And, if one doesn't feel at the top of his or her game, this is sometimes used as an excuse, especially when it comes to dating. Examples abound.  

... "I'll start dating when I lose 15 pounds."

... "I don't like the way my hair looks right now; I'll wait until it grows out."

... "I don't have nice enough clothes to go out on a date."

Now it is perfectly acceptable if you are not ready to date or have no desire to do so. However, if you say, "I want to date, but ....", I suggest you look beyond some of these superficial excuses and discover your real hesitation. Could it be related to some fear you harbor? To name but a few ... perhaps you have a fear of rejection; you may think you won't feel comfortable in a dating situation; or you fear that others may not find you mentally and/or physically attractive.

The media, and in turn society, puts a lot of pressure on individuals to live up to an almost impossible ideal of beauty. Let's not forget that all the pictures of celebrities splashed across magazines are most probably touched up to look perfect. Just imagine if you had a retinue of stylists to dress you every day, you too could look "perfect"!

The truth is that one can look beautiful on the outside and be not so pretty on the inside.

Audrey Hepburn offers some advice on how to be beautiful on the inside and the outside, for, after all, they should be connected!

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone."

And although Ms. Hepburn speaks of some universal truths, keep in mind that we are all unique beings (and that's a very good thing!), so our beauty is unique. Conforming to the standard of another is not something that will ultimately bring you happiness and fulfillment.