Think for a moment about what compliment you hear more than any other. You probably won't have to think too hard.
Yep, definitely "you're so beautiful", or variations of that.
And I know, the complimenters always mean well... I call people beautiful all the time.
But just think for a moment about how beautiful quietly destroys us.
We always want to hear beautiful, and by giving and receiving beautiful, we buy into it. We buy into the idea that beauty defines us, that beauty comes before all else, and that somehow, the nose, eyes, and ears coded into your DNA make you better or worse than someone else.
We accept pressure to maintain a specific body image, to wear makeup for others, to look everywhere for physical approval, and to be wanted.
Ladies, we don't need to be wanted. I promise. You were born with your face and body. Love it, be comfortable in it, but stop looking for beautiful. It really doesn't matter at all.
Strive for intelligent, courageous, compassionate, bold.
Tell me I'm insightful, trustworthy, spirited, and unique.
I don't need beautiful. I don't need a check mark next to something I can't control. Appreciate me for the qualities I have control over, the ones I can foster and nourish, the ones that will make you, me, and the world better.
Screw beautiful.
We encompass a whole lot more than that.
