Developing Inner Beauty, Not Just Outward Appearances
How many times have you looked in the mirror and thought, “I’m too…fill in the blank.” That “fill in the blank” part just kills most people’s self-esteem. Is it that you think you’re too fat, scrawny, have a largish nose, or hate your freckles? Eye brows too bushy, teeth kind of crooked, hairline not thick enough? The flaws you pick apart, and point out to yourself, can seem like an endless array of confidence knockers. Don’t let your onward appearance dictate how you feel about your own self-worth. You are more than beauty. Your inner beauty, with all the ways you conduct your life, matters more.
It’s hard to feel that way sometimes, with everything in society saying that women should look a certain way. The beauty magazines, television shows, cinema, and even the internet are all focused on outward appearances. How do we develop our inner beauty when the outer stuff seems so much more important? People don’t usually Instagram or Facebook all the ways that they have helped the world, or felt gratitude about their lives. It’s all “selfies” in the perfect lighting with all the right hair and makeup. There are even filters that can make your photo appear nearly flawless.
Don’t get caught up in the hype of your own outer appearance. Focus on what you can do to enhance your inner beauty, by being a better person. Here are some simple tips to developing your inner beauty.
Pay It Forward
Say you see a harried mom-of-four in line behind you at the grocery store. Consider helping her pay for her items or see if she’d like some help getting everything (children included) to her car. Sometimes you never know when a helping hand might really make someone’s day.
Be Grateful For What You Have
You know what can build confidence like nothing else? Being grateful. Look at all the gifts and achievements that have come your way. Regularly taking the time to give thanks for them is vital. A gratitude journal is a lovely way to document this task. It doesn’t have to take long to write down a couple of significant things you are thankful for at the end of each day.
Give Of Yourself
Volunteer. Volunteer. Volunteer. Take your extra time, and put it to good use. Whether that is volunteering at your local soup kitchen, or being a “Big Brother/Sister” to a younger child in need, it’s up to you what you are capable of doing. Maybe it’s just writing a check of any amount you can to a charity you believe in. Look around your community and see where you can help out others. Giving of yourself is the greatest gift.
Dole Out Compliments
Building other’s confidence is as key as building your own. Giving out compliments to anyone you come across is important. Be sincere. When you see a friend, tell her just how fantastic you think her new hairstyle looks. Even complimenting the cashier girl at your local Whole Foods on just how pretty her jewelry is, or the style of her shirt, can make her feel good.
Developing your own inner beauty by not just focusing all the time on your outer appearance speaks volumes about your characters. Making your insides sparkle as much as your outsides should be a lifelong goal to strive for. Remember beauty fades, but a loving, giving personality will last forever.