A transformative take on beauty from DebsFreckles, my favorite ginger curled, vintage loving, sewing savant darling. Who is in fact exceptionally pretty inside and out.
I am not pretty.
Red hair, large nose, crowds of freckles, small eyes, tiny upper body, large lower body.
Society didn't praise my features.
Society commented without talking and stared without seeing.
Mother always told me, "Use the mirror to look nice each morning, then leave the mirror and forget about it."
And for the most part, I did and do.
But sometimes insecurities creep into my self reflection. For example, a few weeks ago my hair was long (the longest it has ever been by far). I thought it was beautiful. But it was also hot, expensive, and time consuming.
Whenever I considered cutting it, I could hear Amy March from Little Women saying, "How could you? Your one beauty!" I was telling myself I wasn't pretty enough. I was telling myself my beauty could be removed with a pair of scissors. When I realized this lie, I made an appointment, and I am so glad I did!
I'm not buying what society is selling.
I have learned that the things we CAN control about our appearance speak volumes compared to the things we CAN'T control: the words that come out of our mouths, what we put into our bodies, how we use our energy tells about who we are and shows our beauty.
My self esteem comes from feeling loved by my family and friends, not being flattered by strangers. It comes from my Heavenly Father who loves me. When I stop to count my gratitude, it is hard to dwell on my looks. Between the love of family, friends, and my Heavenly Father, I feel whole and very pretty.
 |
"You don't have a soul, you are a soul. You have a body." -C.S. Lewis |
What a lovely reminder.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, I needed to read this. I LOVE your haircut!
ReplyDeleteDeb, you are really lovely in every way. What a great little reminder. Isn't it nice when joy doesn't come from the mirror but from a big hug?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Red hair, large nose, crowds of freckles, small eyes, tiny upper body, large lower body."
ReplyDeleteThat describes me exactly.
Thanks for this lovely post. Fantastic!
debbie you are one of my very favorite people in the whole world! and while i didn't always feel that way about you (like when you were a pesky 8 year old stealing my barbies) you have grown into a beautiful woman that i respect and admire!!! thank you for your lovely post and wonderful reminder of what's important and where we should REALLY be taking our cues from!
ReplyDeleteI love this. So inspiring. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an empowering post AND you look fabulous! Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. More feel this way than are willing to admit. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing valid truth.
ReplyDeleteI think you are so beautiful, debbie. I love unconventional beauties, they are the best. thanks for your words of wisdom!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely reminder for all of us who forget who we are and put our bodies before our souls. My daughter, by the way, who is just shy of three, has red corkscrew hair, small nose (she did not get that feature from me!), expressive eyes, white skin that is ripe for her mother's freckles, large head, small body. And I think she is a vision, as are you.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done! Love, MOM
ReplyDeleteJust like Beth said, unconventional beauties are my very favorite kind. And cutting our hair can be quite empowering. I went from below my shoulders to pixie, and I've never felt better. I love your haircut!!
ReplyDeleteI love the new haircut. I think it looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou are Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, the thing about controlling what you can.
ReplyDelete(I think you are beautiful and I LOVE your hair short- it seems to really suit you.)