The Definition of Beauty = YOU

Nowadays, it is very difficult to find women and men that have not been influenced by the media. Of course, there are times that we get inspiration from people who have been role models for us. But in the time that we are currently living in, women and men are getting inspiration from the magazines, billboards, and TV shows. Why are these mediums attracting young men and women? The answer is quite simple: Looks.

Let’s go back in time; think about Marilyn Monroe. She was a beautiful woman with great curves; curves that were envied by many women and wanted by many men. Back then, she was the sexiest woman alive. Now, let’s fast forward to now, what are we as a society finding to be the next sexy? Supermodels and actresses that are underweight with big thigh gaps, and of course, size 0. No longer are we defining beauty as being healthy, having great ideas, or a nice smile; but now, beauty is about being skinny or thin.

Society has to start teaching the overall population that these figures that they are looking up to are quite underweight or sometimes not even healthy. We have to start influencing our friends that beauty comes from within the heart. A person might be beautiful on the outside, but may not be fun or loving. For example, no guy needs to feel that without having the “300” look, they are not good enough. Just like women, men also get influenced with celebrities, things such as having the right amount of muscles or body fat.

Every morning when getting up or whenever you have those days that you feel you are not beautiful, think of the following:
1.    Look at yourself in the mirror (appreciate your flaws and your good looks)
2.    Tell yourself that you are beautiful or handsome (beautiful is both inside and outside)
3.    Stop comparing yourself to others
4.    Recognize that we are all different (imagine a world with everyone being alike…boring)
5.    Say in your head “I am smart and loving”
6.    Write out in a piece of paper what you love about yourself
7.    Look at the people around you (they all love you)
8.    Think of your accomplishments
9.    Give yourself a hug
10.  Strive to be healthy

Remember, beauty is not characterized as being one size, but beauty is being you. Once you reach that level, you will start to see that it is okay to have flaws, it is okay to not have the eight pack all the time, it is okay to wear a size 8 or explode with muscles through your under armour shirt, it is okay to be 5’4 ft, and it is okay to be different.  Please share this with other people you know. The more society learns about these issues, the less eating disorders we might have, girls will not start dieting at the age of four or five, and the more happy men and women we will have. Share your comments and thoughts