Hey BEAUTIFUL ladies,
As you know from time-to-time, I like to get a little real on here and write a post about inner beauty. I feel it's very necessary for me to do this because as someone who has this internet platform, I want to really take advantage of inspiring all of you in more than one way. I mean, we are complex and what makes us that is the various components that make us who we are.
I want to let you all know that you're beautiful. Yes, YOU! I know it can be very easy and tempting to compare ourselves to other women and sometimes begin to feel insecure as a result of the little measure we give to ourselves compared to them, but I want to encourage you to stop it! It's not healthy comparing ourselves or even being competitive. Growing up, I always looked for ways to compete and if there wasn't an opportunity, I would create one, haha. As I've gotten older, I've learned that there is really no point or true advantage in seeking to be better than the next because there will always be someone better. What we should focus more on is being better than who we were yesterday, essentially competing against our own selves; learn to truly love ourselves and embrace the things that make us different. If it be the gap in your teeth, a crooked smile, or a bump on your nose, those things are what make you different and unique. I encourage you to focus on the features and qualities you have that you absolutely love. No, this is not being vein, it's simply seeing the best in your self. Of course there is a fine line between self-love and acceptance and conceit. The major difference is the first has to do with knowing our worth and the latter has to do with thinking we're better than the next, which is linked to the competition I spoke about before.
I strongly encourage you to start loving and accepting who you are today because now is a good place to start. Begin eating better, not so that you can have the "perfect" body and get all the hot guys, but so that you can take care of your body to ensure that you'll live a long and healthy life. What does this mean? It means to be mindful of what you're putting in your body and answering the question, will this make me healthier or will I regret this later? It also means getting more active, so that we can avoid any unwanted weight gain, which tends to make us feel more insecure. Next, take care of your hair, skin, and nails because let's face it, us ladies always feel better when we're primed. This doesn't mean that you have to go and get these all done professionally, learn to do it yourself, your wallet will thank you. Talking about skin, I've just begun using shea butter as a part of my nightly regimen to help nurture and enhance my skin's texture and glow, I'll be sure to keep you posted on the changes I notice, if any!
Lastly, and most importantly work on your thoughts; this will ultimately determine your behavior. Try to not only see the best in yourself, but in others too. Don't be the girl that gives dirty looks at the next, instead be the girl that compliments another woman. Even if she doesn't reciprocate, you know that you're confident and a true woman when you can see the best in another and not feel threatened. Also, try to eliminate people that are negative in your life, that don't support you, don't tell you the truth about yourself (even when it hurts, a real friend will always do this, but with good intentions!) and who are just Debbie Downers, always sad about something. Instead, seek to become friends with other women who are positive and like minded so that you can feed off each other and grow a good support system.
I honestly just wrote without thinking through what I wanted to say. This post is truly from the heart and I know that someone needed this; I know I always need a reminder! You all are so beautiful and special to me and I'm thankful to have met you and learned about some your wonderful blogs (to my fellow bloggers). Stay encouraged and beautiful inside and out :)
XO,
Jalisa
