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The way you perceive your beauty is determined by your internal state of being.
If you’re unhappy from your core, it’s difficult to have an optimistic view of your external appearance.
Every individual on earth has something about themselves they feel could do with some improvement – myself included.
The main thing to remember is no one’s perfect.
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As we see on a regular basis, many individuals will strive to attain physical perfection through external means.
No matter how many surgical procedures or beauty treatments a person undergoes, their perception of their beauty will typically be tied to their perception of self.
The perceived flaws we wish to ‘fix’ are typically tied to our past, the things people have said, the influence of mainstream media and what it presents as beauty.
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When we fall prey to these influences, it becomes almost impossible to achieve a firm level of self-contentment.
We’re striving for something that doesn’t exist.
What we must strive for however, is to become the best version of ourselves.
Doing so, organically increases self-confidence, and shifts our perception thus improving our wellbeing.
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We all have little insecurities from being too short to being too tall, being too slim to being too big, being bald, or hairy, having bigger than average hands, a wide nose, big feet, you name it.
There’s something that bothers us all.
Rather than trying to achieve perfection, we must achieve self-fulfilment.
Reaching a place where we develop in our confidence despite the views of external opinions or influences.
It’s leaning on what we determine for ourselves in place of what has been contributed to our lives through other sources.
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We are who we are, not by coincidence but by happenstance.
We can choose to be upset, sad, or depressed about our shortcomings but if there’s one thing I’ve learnt having practiced this personally, it adds zero benefit to one’s life.
If we can operate from a place of gratitude for what we do have, our experience of life will improve exponentially.
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I used to loathe the fact I was born with a facial deformity.
I would be conscious that whether in person or on screen, it’s the first thing people would see and for many years that caused me to hide and minimise myself.
Later however, I realised I had a lot to be grateful for and on thinking back to my past hospital visits, I remember seeing numerous children with ailments more severe.
Whatever you dislike about yourself, there’s always someone dealing with much worse.
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I once heard a speaker say, the one-eyed man is king amongst his totally blind compatriots.
I don’t quote the above as a means to encourage comparison but rather, to provide perspective regarding the importance of gratitude.
Be truly thankful for what you do have, remembering that things could be worse off.
Additionally, work intently with what you’ve got because there are thousands who would prefer your circumstances over their own.
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As I continued my own growth process, my confidence increased and my perspective shifted.
My deformity is still present, but my perception changed entirely.
The reality that God loves me taught me to love myself too. The things I could improve I’ve been improving as I’ve spoken about here.
What was previously my biggest physical insecurity, is now my biggest physical inspiration.
I’m a living testament that even with the things you consider as flaws, you’re still beautiful and handsome – you just need to begin to see it.
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When you’re secure and you’ve built a solid belief system about yourself, it’s difficult for others to see you any other way.
Self-assurance is contagious.
So today I encourage you, don’t strive to be perfect.
Rather, strive to build confidence in your authenticity by working on the things you can, and accepting and being grateful for the things you can’t.
Everything about you makes you who you are – learn to embrace it. Because once you begin to truly see your own beauty so will everyone else.
Relieve yourself from the pressure of desiring to attain something unattainable because to be human, is to be imperfectly perfect.
