"I'm not pretty enough." Words I have said to myself, words I have heard other people say about themselves and yes, even words I hated to hear coming from my own six-year-old's mouth just yesterday. It happened while we were snuggling on the couch watching a movie. I asked her why she would say something mean to herself like that. She replied, "...because I don't look like Rosie in the movie."  My heart broke a little to think that my little girl(s) could feel this way. They are so precious and beautiful. How could they, of all people, feel this way sometimes?!

Let's face it. We all think it from time to time and it starts at a very young age, as I learned last night. What is your definition of beauty and why?

Think about it. We get blasted with photo-shopped images that tell us we are not good enough, we are not shaped the right way and that any imperfection has to go or else we are not "good enough." That is only the half of it! How we talk to ourselves and about ourselves is a mirror of what we really think about our own beauty. Do you shine from the inside-out? Is being a beautiful person on the inside more important to you than your outward appearance?

Don't get me wrong. I think taking care of yourself outwardly is important and can help bring a little confidence from time to time, but what will carry you through life and your own love for yourself, is the true inward beauty. That is what also has to shine, if you allow it. When my daughters were little I used to explain to them that their heart should be as shiny on the inside as the diamond and gold necklaces they so badly wished to wear. I wanted them to know right from the start, that they are precious gems that can outshine even the most "sparkly" jewelry. I can only hope, as a parent, that my voice will ring in their ears  and it will help bring comfort when they start feeling insecure.

I applaud Cindy Crawford for her untouched, un-photoshopped, unafraid-of-what-people-might-say images in Marie Claire magazine. This is realistic. This is what an amazing body is. This is what a real body-after-having-babies looks like. I see a sexy woman in her power and in control of her space and body. That is what I see when I see this image. Nothing is more beautiful than an authentic person.

I saw this quote about beauty on Facebook: "Imagine.. if people were judged by the beauty of their hearts, the gentleness of their souls and the brilliance of their minds. If True beauty was recognized, if photoshopping was only buying artwork.
Are we not advanced enough as a society to enact deep and meaningful change? To decide that we will be better as a people tomorrow then we were yesterday. This is our world, let's make it the best one possible." - Dale Hughes.

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