Beauty Runs Deep

The phrase, "beauty is only skin deep" came up in conversation today. "Pretty" is skin deep, beauty radiates from the inside out. 

Beauty is the expression of everything that we are. It's our history, our stories, our creative nature, our love of our family and humanity. Beauty is an expression of how we see ourselves and how we see others. When I call to mind beautiful people in my life, they aren't wearing the latest style, or thin with perfect skin. They are alive from the inside out. You know them when they walk in the room and immediately want to be their friend - be near them so part of their beauty can fill you up and add to the beauty you carry inside. They are present, in the moment to hear what you have to say because they recognize your shared humanity. Your happiness and peace are directly linked to theirs. 

I work every day to be a beautiful woman. I recognize that the first step in this journey is truly loving myself. Not because of how I look, but because of how I see others. As I grow in this daily challenge, I feel pieces of the puzzle falling into place. I breathe easier and move through my day with a stride and flow that makes me stand a little stronger and listen a little closer. 

I welcome this journey and all it is teaching me. And want to say how incredibly grateful I am for all of the beautiful people in my life, because I now recognize that you too are on a journey of compassion and awareness of yourself and those around you.