Beauty-full Tuesday: Ashley in Wonderland

Today, my luminant little sister-in-law explores why we always want what we don't have when it comes to our curves, complexions, and coiffures  In other words, Ashley dishes on appearances.

Are blondes really living the high life?

Or do brunettes have a mysterious advantage.

A rather large forehead and particularly stubborn hair cowlicks. There were times when these items were all I saw in my reflection. My forehead called for bangs, yet my inherited hairline made fringe impossible.  I used to loop endlessly around this supposed conundrum. 

Then one day I realized there was absolutely nothing I could do about it; I could continue to feel self-conscious, or I could just accept it  as a reality.  I did accept, and I expanded my perception to include my uniquely green eyes, round rosy cheeks, and lots of other good qualities and talents that I could be grateful for.

Below is my self-tried and self-proven, 3 step method for accepting yourself as Beauty-full.

1.  Stretch your self-worth to include talents.  Physical appearance is a fickle mistress.  Even if you like what you've got now, give it fifteen years.  Learning a new talent is empowering and painting, singing, budgeting, and baking won't wrinkle or sag as you age.

2.  Accept a compliment. It makes me so happy when I give someone a sincere compliment and they don’t fight me about it. When someone doesn’t accept a compliment, it’s like they’re discrediting the complimentor's sense of judgment--which, in my opinion, is rude.

3.  May I suggest good lighting, if not throughout your entire house, at least in the bathrooms and where ever you get ready, (where you are at your most visually vulnerable.) Fluorescent, overhead lighting could make Miss America cry.

If we think of how negatively dwelling upon all our flaws effects us, then imagine how positively focusing on our strengths can influence us and the generations that follow.  Give it a try. It won’t even hurt.