How to Discover What Does Beauty Mean to You and Embrace It?

The word "beauty" has been used throughout history to describe things like symmetry, Lloyd's aesthetic value theory, and physical attractiveness. But today, what counts as beautiful may change faster than ever. Many people have different ideas about what makes someone attractive. 

Society dictating what is beautiful through the years has led to unrealistic standards for beauty. It tends to emphasize the importance of looks, with magazines and social media platforms promoting unrealistic beauty standards. However, it's essential to remember that beauty is subjective and can vary from person to person. Some people find standard features such as clear skin, symmetrical features, and a toned body beautiful. Others may appreciate unique features such as freckles, scars, and curves. Ultimately, embracing and respecting our differences is crucial, rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal.

Beauty can also be found beyond physical appearance. It can be found in acts of kindness, selflessness, and compassion. Seeing someone help an elderly person cross the street or donate to a charitable organization can be beautiful. This way, beauty can be experienced through interactions with others and the world around us.

Beauty can also be found in art, literature, and music. Creative expression can move us emotionally, inspire us, and evoke a sense of beauty. A painting, a poem, or a song can all be considered beautiful if it speaks to us on a deep level.

We all have heard, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," but this quote means everyone sees beauty differently. This can be a good thing - it shows that there is no standardized way to see the world and that we should all be proud of our differences. However, it can also be problematic when one's perception of beauty doesn't match the conventional norm.

With so many different beauty standards, it can be easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others and feeling like you don't measure up. But the key is to focus on what does beauty mean to you and embrace what makes you unique. One way to do this is to take some time to think about what qualities you find attractive in others. Do you appreciate a great sense of style? A beautiful smile? A certain kind of confidence? Once you have a better idea of what you find attractive and comfortable, you can cultivate those things yourself. 

Beauty is pleasant to look at and has a deeper meaning. It can make you feel good when you see it or evoke strong emotions. Our definition of beauty has changed over time. It's essential to enjoy all the different facets of beauty. 

In today's society, being attractive means having a balanced look. You don't need to be thin or have abs to be pretty. These attributes count as a health factor but have nothing to do with beauty. Many women choose not to follow conventional expectations of beauty and still succeed in life. 

The media plays a significant role in shaping our perception of beauty. From magazines to social media, we are bombarded with images of what is considered beautiful, which can often be unrealistic and unattainable. Studies have also shown that exposure to these unrealistically perfect images can lead to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.

Firstly, the media often portrays a narrow definition of beauty, emphasizing certain physical characteristics such as thinness, clear skin, and symmetrical features. This can be seen in advertisements, TV shows, and movies, where the protagonists are often conventionally attractive. These images create an unrealistic standard, leading to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem among young people.

Secondly, social media has created the "perfect" influencer, representing an unattainable beauty standard. Influencers with millions of followers often use filters and photo editing tools to enhance their appearance, which can create unrealistic expectations for their followers. This pressure to look perfect can lead to unhealthy habits such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and even cosmetic surgery.

Thirdly, the media has historically underrepresented certain groups, such as people of color, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. This lack of representation can lead to feelings of exclusion and marginalization, particularly among those who do not fit into the narrow definition of beauty portrayed by the media.

Media has the power to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and prejudices. For example, certain skin tones, hair textures, and body shapes are often portrayed negatively in media, leading to discrimination and bias.

It is concerning that some songs in the music industry glorify unrealistic beauty standards for women. This can damage how people, especially younger ones, perceive themselves and their values. These songs lead listeners to believe they must be slim or have certain features or clothing styles to be considered attractive; however, this isn't true. Everyone is beautiful in their way.

If you feel that the media's portrayal of beauty affects your self-esteem and body image, it's time to redefine beauty for yourself. Let’s explore practical tips for redefining beauty and embracing your unique self.

There's a reason why self-love and self-acceptance are so important. It's time to shift the focus away from chasing size-zero jeans and being perfect. Let's start celebrating our uniqueness. We can only live easily and joyfully. 

Let’s start by identifying the qualities you find beautiful in yourself and others. Focus on your strengths, talents, and personality traits rather than just physical appearance. For example, you might appreciate your sense of humor, kindness, or creativity. By recognizing these qualities, you can shift your focus from external beauty to inner beauty.

Surround yourself with positive influences that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Follow social media accounts that promote body positivity, celebrate different body shapes and sizes, and feature individuals from diverse backgrounds. Surround yourself with friends and family who lift you and appreciate you for who you are.

Practice self-care and self-love regularly. Take time to pamper yourself, whether taking a relaxing bath, getting a massage, or practicing yoga. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, and remind yourself that you deserve love and acceptance.

Challenge yourself to try new things that make you feel confident and empowered. This might involve taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone. By pushing yourself, you can gain a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. It's normal to have self-doubt or insecurity, but it's important to remind yourself that these feelings do not define you. Instead, focus on your strengths and the qualities that make you unique.

Let’s summarize “what does beauty mean to you” & how you can redefine the standards for yourself:

• Let go of the negative self-talk and start embracing yourself for who you are right now – flaws and all! 

• Let yourself Experience self-care and have Olay -$5 Off Moisturizers with the promo code Jingle.

• Be Kind to yourself will help you achieve bigger goals rather than just stressing over losing weight faster.

• Focus on the things that give you a positive feeling. When you see something that makes you happy, stop and take a moment to appreciate it. 

• Think about the people in your life who make you feel good. These could be friends, family members, or even strangers with whom you've interacted pleasantly.

• Take a fresh look at your surroundings. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the mundane of everyday life that we forget to appreciate beauty.

• Take time and pamper yourself with 60% off on the Pampering Perfection Cleansing Bundle by Olay.  

Redefining beauty is a personal journey that requires patience, self-love, and self-acceptance. By focusing on inner beauty, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and practicing self-care and self-love, you can embrace your unique self and redefine beauty on your terms. Beauty is about physical appearance, kindness, creativity, and compassion. Celebrating these qualities in yourself and others can create a more inclusive and accepting society.