We’ve all heard it said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Generally, we interpret the beholder as an external person, someone other than ourselves when in fact, it is the reflection we see in the mirror that counts most. Recognizing our own beauty, both inside and out and despite the circumstances, is what will keep us on purpose and able to keep on inspiring those around us.
The lovely Audrey Hepburn captured this so beautifully when she said, “The beauty of woman must be seen from her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.”
My purpose and reason for being is to inspire women, from all walks of life, irrespective of age, circumstance or background, to find their beautiful. To rediscover, if they must, the wondrous beauty that is inside of each and every one of us. Truly.
Let’s be honest, none of us are under the delusion that we’ve got our shi…ps together 😉 None of us is fortunate enough to have control over our circumstances all of the time. But what we do have control over, is our attitude. Our attitudes (interpret also as ‘our perspective’) is what defines our lives and ultimately the outcomes we choose.
There is no woman more beautiful than one who sees herself as worthy of love, respect, admiration and contribution.
There is no woman more radiant than one who recognizes her role in this world. A woman living on purpose is a powerful woman, capable of influence and the ability to impact the world directly around her.
Did I just catch you rolling your eyes at me young lady? Yes you. You, the valuable and inspiring person reading this article.
Just so you know, should I ever have the opportunity of meeting you, I’ll shake off those negative personal remarks about your physical image and perceived flaws. That’s just something I don’t and will not accept. You were created with care. Your body, albeit a vulnerable vessel at times, carries a wondrous soul, a beautiful and inspiring light. One that has the ability to shine so brightly if only it is allowed to be displayed.
Beauty is indeed only skin-deep. Of course I would love exquisitely lithe long legs but I have come to accept that, even with my genetically short stature, I am worthy.
I stand tall (even if just in my head), in every circumstance because
I have discovered my Beautiful.
The path was not without challenges and there were many times when I couldn’t see past the darkness. The loss of my mother to cancer, assaulted in my home and seeing my husband being stabbed, health scares, the loss of loved ones, the betrayal of perceived friends…you see, on some level we face similar battles and cross the same paths.
What keeps us going is the want to keep going. It’s the desire to suck the marrow out of life, to love deeply, to feel fully and to embrace with all of our might.
Ladies, do whatever you must to find your Beautiful.
Be your own kind of beYOUtiful. Rediscover that woman who was made with grace and care. Free her and let her shine.
May you live light and with purpose.
Chat with me on Twitter:
@PetraLaranjo, Facebook: Petra Laranjo Brand and Image or pop onto my site www.petralaranjo.com
Here’s to enjoying the journey and making the most out of each season.
Written by Petra Laranjo Hourquebie