You are beautiful just the way you are!

As a society we are inundated from the media, commercials, infomercials, movies, fashion shows, magazines, television, etc. with messages that if we would wear certain clothes, use a particular makeup, look a certain way, then we would be beautiful.

We are constantly bombarded about losing weight, toning our body, using fake nails or eyelashes, injecting toxins into our body for the sake of less wrinkles, wearing types of clothing, using certain products and the list goes on and on. Yet many of the beautiful people that are featured in magazines or on television feel threatened by an extra pound or unwanted body bulge, so the end result is binge eating and then purging for the sake of being slim.

Young girls are getting the message that they are not beautiful enough without indulging in the latest fashion trend or make up. There is even make up for 6 year olds! Pre-teens and teenagers are feeling pressured to get cosmetic surgery for what is perceived as an imperfection. As the years go by and more imperfections appear, how will these be handled?

When you think of true beauty, what do you think of? By American standards, the supermodels and actresses are the beautiful people. But at what cost?

True beauty is someone who has a loving heart and spirit; someone that has unconditional love for mankind. This type of person radiates beauty from the inside out.

What are some ways that you can nurture the beauty within?
1. See the inner beauty in those you come into contact with.
2. Open your heart to the divinity within each one of us.
3. Let gratitude be your attitude. Appreciate not only the big moments in your life, but every experience, challenge and everything that we take for granted, such as a beautiful sunset, the fragrance of a flower, laughter of a child, every breath we take, and every day we wake up.
4. Take time for you. It could be as little as 5 minutes a day to meditate, pray and breathe…just be in the stillness and silence.
5. Make positive statements or affirmations often. For example, I am loving and lovable, I am worthy, I am grateful for fortunate blessings that come my way each and every day. Say these with conviction and really believe it to be so.
6. Release the urge to criticize yourself or others and change the negative into something positive.
7. Laugh and smile as often as you can. A good belly laugh is good for your immune system and makes you feel good.
8. Be true to yourself and others. Be authentic in what you do and say.
9. Nurture your spirituality. Find like-minded people to network with and support each other.
10. Give away free hugs and smiles. You never know if a smile to a stranger will make their day.
11. Dance, sing, write poetry, be creative, paint outside the lines.
12. Everyday look at your self in the mirror and tell yourself, I am beautiful, just the way I am. And so you are!