Have you ever met someone who seems comfortable in his or her own skin? As a teenager (and even as an adult) I have always been overly anxious about my looks and appearance. I went to high school with some wonderful people but also with a small group of really nasty girls who loved to bully people about their looks. A few of their comments definitely made negative, long-lasting impressions in my life.
When I meet a woman, confident in her looks, without worrying what the latest trends are, what others think of her style, whether she is living up to the current beauty expectations of the media or her peers, I find it incredibly beautiful. My six daughters have this kind of beauty although I assure you, they did not get it from me.
My daughters, the eldest of whom is almost 34 and the youngest who is 13, are equally comfortable going out in public with cosmetic-free faces or with trendy, cute make-up styles, which they wear for fun and because they enjoy it, not because they think they are not pretty enough to go without. These young women also have self-deprecating sense of humor, which intensifies their beauty.
Another thing I notice about women like my daughters, who are “okay” with who they are and grateful for the faces, bodies and health that God gave them, is that women like these, love to build up other women instead of tearing them down. That too, is beautiful. After all, isn‘t there enough fighting in the world and people trying to make others look bad so they can look good themselves? Isn’t it far more attractive to offer a kind word or compliment and to encourage and support fellow women to be the best they can be?
A bright smile is beautiful. A friendly demeanor is beautiful. Self-confidence is beautiful. If you want to wear your glasses, wear them. If you want to go without make-up, go for it! If you want to wear a style that is likely not going to be seen on a current runway, wear it!
How do you define beauty? Be that which you define! What makes you feel beautiful? What can you do to help others feel beautiful? If someone, somewhere at some time has put you down or made fun of your looks, disregard it. If the so-called friends you have are always putting in little digs about your appearance, find new friends.
Free yourself from the constraints that tell you that you will that never be good enough, smart enough — beautiful enough. You already are!
Writer Bio: Judy Dudich
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
