You Are Capable of Much More Than Being Looked At

Isn't that awesome? 


I first encountered this phrase while reading this blog: Beauty Redefined. 


Beauty Redefined was started by twin sisters, Lindsay Kite and Lexie Kite. They're currently working on their PhD's in Communication, studying representation of female bodies in popular media. They're Website is all about rethinking the idea of 'beautiful' and 'healthy' that we, as a society, have learned though the for-profit media that thrives off female insecurity. They've even started a billboard campaign where they've put this and other self-empowering slogans like "There is more to be than eye candy" for all to see. (Well, "all" in Utah, where they are located.)  


Again, isn't that awesome?


"You are capable of much more than being looked at." 


This needs to be posted everywhere. Because we woman DO need to hear this. There is SO MUCH more to you than just being pretty. And there's SO MUCH more to beauty than being pretty. Prettiness is the aesthetics. Beauty, however, is about taking pride in yourself, your WHOLE self. 


I remember having such a hard time with this concept of beauty when I was in high school. I did not feel beautiful. I felt invisible i.e. Samantha Baker in "Sixteen Candles." 


This changed in college. NOT magically but consciously. I begin to see everything I had to offer to the world- my sincerity, my calm demeanor, my sense of humor, my intelligence, etc. 


And I finally began to see that it was OK that I did not fit the desirable Latina stereotype- the curvaceous body and luscious long dark waves. 


I AM small and skinny with B-cup breasts. But I am BEAUTIFUL. I have a pretty face, great skin and I rock this pixie hair cut. Not to mention my awesome taste in shoes. 


I also began to see that it wasn't ME that was the problem. It was OTHER people- the media, peers, sometimes even family. Comments from the outside still hurt of course. But nowadays they're more like annoying mosquito bites rather than life threatening shark attacks.


Every woman is beautiful. And if she doesn't feel beautiful, then she MUST ask herself why. Don't avoid it, that'll only make it worse. How long have you felt this way? When did it start? Is it an outside source that's making you question yourself? Is this outside source based on fact or opinion? Are they telling you because they sincerely care or because it makes THEM feel better, makes them money, etc? Sincerity always trumps ego and profits.


Beauty is a never ending process that goes far beyond aesthetics. Again, it's about bettering your WHOLE SELF.


I repeat a third time: Isn't that awesome?