There are so many ways that beauty manifests in our lives. The innocent smile of a baby, the gentle hug of a parent, a painting that stirs the imagination, a song that says it all, a poem, a photograph that captures an incredible moment–anything that stretches our spirit to experience a new aspect of reality is beautiful. Love, kindness, loyalty, courage and integrity are beautiful.

We all know of women, and men, who are not physically beautiful by media’s definition, but still come across as stunning and magnetically attractive. They seem to have an inner glow. What’s their secret? I think it’s all about creating a personal definition of what beauty means to you that works from all aspects: physical, intellectual, spiritual, and mental.

For me, beauty is taking great care of myself. Beauty is walking into a room, standing as tall as my 5’4” frame allows, with great posture and a deep breath. Beauty is not caring so much about what others think of me, but caring about them and being curious about their lives. Beauty is taking time to look my best. Beauty is feeding my body with great healthy food and my mind with positive thoughts. Beauty is loving myself, despite the flaws. Beauty is celebrating life’s many pleasures.

I often turn to this quote for inspiration:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Marianne Williamson

In our culture, women get conflicting messages about beauty, truth, and goodness. Is it all about looks? What about aging gracefully? Are we vain and superficial if we color our hair, wear makeup, or fix a flaw that bothers us? It seems to me that truly beautiful people are those whose physical presence lives in harmony with their spiritual essence. We can take care of appearance and present our best selves so that it lifts us up and enhances our confidence. This is real beauty, not a superficial imposter.

 

Dr. Susan Mathison strives to be a loving mother, successful business owner, gentle teacher, empowering speaker, passionate artist, insightful writer, caring philanthropist, part-time farm wife, and aspiring self-care junkie. As a seeker and lifelong learner, Dr. Mathison shares her journey and opinions with you.

Additionally, Dr. Mathison created PositivelyBeautiful.com to empower women to build a life-style that supports them in a multi-faceted way. She feels that healthcare starts from within, and that health is our greatest natural resource. Dr. Mathison feels that true beauty is health made visible, and radiates from within.

For more information about Dr. Susan Mathison, visit her website at PositivelyBeautiful.com.