So, here’s the tea ☕: I used to think beauty was all about the perfect winged eyeliner, the juiciest lip gloss, or that Insta-worthy highlight. But girl, let me tell you, I was missing the BIGGEST piece of the puzzle. It wasn’t until I started focusing on me—like, the real, raw, unfiltered me—that I truly understood what beauty is all about. Spoiler alert: it’s not in a makeup bag. It’s in your heart, your mind, and your soul.
Let’s get real for a sec. We’ve all been there: scrolling through social media, comparing ourselves to these flawless, airbrushed versions of people who seem to have it all together. And what does that do? It makes us feel like we’re not enough. But here’s the thing: beauty isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s not about fitting into someone else’s mold. It’s about embracing YOUR unique vibe and owning it.
I started my self-love journey (yes, it’s a journey, not a sprint) when I hit a low point. I was exhausted from trying to be perfect, from chasing this unrealistic standard of beauty that was literally draining the life out of me. One day, I looked in the mirror and thought, “Who even AM I?” That was my wake-up call. I realized that if I didn’t start loving myself—flaws and all—I was never going to feel truly beautiful.
So, what did I do? I started small. I began by speaking kindly to myself. Instead of criticizing every little thing, I’d say, “Hey, you’re doing your best, and that’s enough.” I know it sounds cheesy, but it works. Over time, those little affirmations started to sink in, and I began to see myself in a whole new light.
Another game-changer? I stopped apologizing for taking up space. I used to shrink myself—literally and figuratively—because I didn’t want to be “too much.” But guess what? I AM too much. And so are you. And that’s a GOOD thing. When you start owning your power, your energy shifts, and people notice. It’s like this magnetic glow that comes from within.
Now, let’s talk about inner beauty. I used to think that was just a cliché, but it’s so real. Inner beauty is about how you treat yourself and others. It’s about being kind, compassionate, and authentic. And here’s the kicker: when you nurture your inner beauty, it shows on the outside. Your skin glows, your eyes sparkle, and your smile becomes genuine. It’s like magic ✨.
One thing that helped me tap into my inner beauty was practicing gratitude. Every day, I’d write down three things I was grateful for—big or small. It could be anything from my morning coffee to the fact that I had a roof over my head. This simple practice shifted my mindset and made me appreciate the beauty in my life, even on the tough days.
Another thing? I started surrounding myself with people who uplifted me. Life’s too short to hang out with energy vampires who make you feel less than. Find your tribe—the ones who celebrate you, challenge you, and remind you of your worth. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Now, I’m not saying you have to ditch your skincare routine or throw out your makeup. I still love a good face mask and a bold red lip. But here’s the difference: now, I do it because it makes ME happy, not because I’m trying to meet someone else’s standards.
The bottom line? Beauty isn’t something you put on. It’s something you cultivate from within. When you love yourself, when you treat yourself with kindness and respect, that’s when the real magic happens. So, take a deep breath, look in the mirror, and say, “I am enough.” Because you are. And that, my friend, is the most beautiful thing of all.