Project 31 - Day 1

Day 1 - What does beauty mean to you?

I think for the most part when you think of the word "beauty" you automatically think of how someone looks or appears. There are people who we define at beautiful and others that we don't. But even though I have put these labels on people I know that God doesn't. He created each and every one of us in His image and He sees us all as beautiful. Not to mention He created each of us to see beauty in different ways and in different people. As far as outward "beauty" goes I look at my husband and I see someone insanely handsome and attractive. I think a lot of people see him that way but I know that not everyone does. The same goes for other people's significant others, they see beauty in them whether someone else does or not. One of the definitions for beauty is:

The quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind,

whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or

pattern, or something else (as apersonality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).

So I know that beauty goes much deeper than just skin or outward appearances. Although I'm not one of those people who believe you should never look at or focus on outward beauty. I believe that it is part of our job as just people in general to look our best. Perhaps the world doesn't put the "beauty" stamp on our forehead but that doesn't mean I can't rise to be the best me I can be. Working out, eating right, dressing to look tasteful and pleasing, wearing make up, fixing your hair, waxing your mustache (hehe! Ladies!), etc. I know that I may never be Hollywood's definition of beauty but I am beautiful to my husband and yes, he loves me "the way I am" but that doesn't give me to right to look or act like crap. Because he does love me it makes me want to look and feel and be the very best I can for him.

But beauty does have to do with more than just how you look......someone can be absolutely stunning on the outside but if inside they are bitter, hard, snobby and despicable is probably going to make them less attractive those close to them or those who them. Same goes for someone who perhaps is less "attractive" but is endearing, warm, sincere and sweet. They will be probably more attractive because of their inner beauty. Being a beautiful person can have three different meanings - inner, outer and sometimes both.

Beauty is subjective - it depends on the eyes of the person looking at it. What I find beautiful someone else might find completely unattractive. I think it's a wonderful thing that we don't all see beauty the same way. It would make it hopeless for some and overwhelming for others. But the truest kind of beauty is the kind that radiates from inside out!