30 days of self love – intrinsic beauty

Posted: September 3, 2010 at 8:07 am

You all rock this 30 Days of Self-Love. Your reflections and comments inspire me every day. I cannot wait to share them in future 30 Days posts and see just where this goes. I’m beginning to believe this is too powerful to just disappear after September. I know from my experience, I still need strength in my daily prayer to fully appreciate and have faith in myself. I also know we can learn so much from each other. I have no plans whatsoever but what I’m feeling cannot be put out just because October 1st rolls around. I sincerely hope that as we go through this process you get to the same point too, in seeing the power of simple reflections. In sum, I love you guys and you’re awesome! 😀

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How do you define beauty? When you consider someone beautiful does the sole focus lie in her outward appearance? When you look at yourself in the mirror, can you look past that barrier of our body called the skin and see beauty? The top definition for beauty in the Miriam-Webster dictionary: the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit. Interesting. I see nothing about a small waist, a butt that looks good in skinny jeans, luscious hair, or full lips in that definition. Perhaps because beauty does not reside in those things?

[source]

No. Beauty gives “pleasure to the senses” or “exalts the mind or spirit”. For example, I find a compassionate quality in a person more pleasurable than white teeth. Although those white teeth will show as beautiful through a tender smile caused by the compassion. In essence, the compassion still reigns as the beauty. I also view strength as beautiful. Someone finishing a race may have beautiful, strong legs but the determination to achieve and care for her body makes them beautiful. Not the muscles.

[source]

No physical manifestation of those inner qualities of beauty need to exist. We simply need to adapt this paradigm shift of defining beauty by the inside versus the outside. Intrinsic beauty fits the true definition of beauty and flatters more than a miracle bra. When we tap into our intrinsic beauty and allow it to showcase who we are, nothing will succeed at diminishing our sparkle. Intrinsic beauty shines through. See your body as a reflection of your inner qualities. There is power…and beauty…in that.

[source]

Take a few moments to think how you showcase intrinsic beauty. What positive qualities describe you. Search deep. Through the day consider these qualities. How do they showcase in your life and make you beautiful?

My answer: I know I am truly beautiful because I love deeply. That love may show up in my arms…from carrying M around, serving others, and helping my husband with some of his beloved house/car projects…but the beauty is still the love behind those actions. My beauty is also in my faith. It helps me live my life with peace and positivity. No physical reflection of that needed.

Quote to Reflect On
Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty - they merely move it from their faces into their hearts. ~Martin Buxbaum

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*For more 30 Days Inspiration visit these bloggers who shared the message and let me know if you do/did.

  • Penny Lane – New Adventures into Eating and Life
  • Shrinking Mommy of 2
  • Renee – Sweaty, Salty, Sweet
  • Lindsey Ann Live
  • Maura – The MOH Diaries
  • Arlene – Adventures in Weight Loss
  • Jess – Eat Drink Breathe Sweat
  • Julie – Adventure Is Out There
  • Janetha – Meals & Moves
  • Anne – Food Loving Polar Bear
  • Ela – Ulterior Harmony
  • Mellissa – A Fit and Spicy Life
  • Caitlin – Eat Feats
  • Leah – Running to a Healthy Life
  • Harmony – Our Small Town Life
  • Astrid – Two Feet Ten Toes
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    92 Comments to “30 days of self love – intrinsic beauty”
    1. One of my favorite quotes: “People are born pretty. Beautiful, that’s an equal opportunity adjective.” I’ve been super behind on my reader, but I love the 30 days of self love so far!!

    2. Great post, as always Tina!! I love starting the day off by thinking about your positive qualities, instead of immediately writing out a to-do list or hopping on the scale and letting that dictate how your day goes.

      And the Glee Monday night thing– I missed it too!!!! I hope it wasn’t anything big?!?

      • Tina says:

        Agreed. Starting the day off with a positive message is so fabulous. And then getting all these comments throughout the day in my inbox makes it even better. 🙂

    3. Heather says:

      i am a wife, a friend, a fur-mommy :), and a beautiful woman of God. i love with everything i have, and i never regret it. i think this quote sums it up best:

      “nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she IS beautiful” – sophia loren

      happy friday girl!

    4. Emily says:

      Hi Tina! Yay for Friday. 🙂 Yay for Day 3. 🙂

      I think my intrinsic beauty is my ability to listen and accept people with open arms. I think that this shows through most often in my smile.

      I hope you have a great day!

    5. Happy Friday! Fabulous post. I think personality is more beautiful than anything. You could be the most beautiful person in the world, but a real jerk. No one will want to spend time with someone like that.

    6. I am truly beautiful because I am a true believe in “silver linings”. I may be gratingly obnoxious in attempting to always see the positive side, but I believe it is that positive outlook that brings radiance to my appearance.

      • Penny Lane says:

        I need more people like you in my life. God bless those who are”gratingly obnoxious” to find the silver lining.

      • Tina says:

        Sometimes I feel the same way. That I’m overly positive. But then I think again…there’s no such thing as overly positive and being able to find the silver lining. Great thing to make you beautiful!

    7. Jolene says:

      This is a great post!! Love it – and I think our intrinsic qualities need to be celebrated much more than they are. As for me? I too love deeply, my family and my closest friends. I think to be a good friend you have to have that quality, to be thoughtful, considerate and appreciative of all you have.

      • Jolene! This is going to sound hilarious, but I saw your name and recognized it from high school…I thought, “I’ve never heard that name except for when I was in high school”…and sure enough, saw your picture and recognized you! I went to GHS from 1998-2000! I’m pretty sure I remember it being one of your sisters married to Jackie N.’s brother Josh? I was in Jackie’s grad class. Anyways, my point, WHAT A SMALL FREAKING WORLD!!!!! 🙂

        • Jolene says:

          WHOA! that is SO WEIRD!!!!! Yes, that’s my sister and she married Josh! They’re expecting their first child any day now!!

          • Jess says:

            Um yes, this is SUCH a small world. I can’t believe it. So weird.

            Anyway, I digress…definition of beauty SHOULD be inward facing vs. outward facing, but as my sister well knows already, I’ve been struggling to keep the faith on this one lately. I know that I’m beautiful because I am a deeply dedicated friend, sister, daughter and wife. I give all that I have to those that I love and I think that is a beautiful quality. I think laughter is beautiful, and find myself laughing often when I’m around those that I love because they make me happy, they make me laugh, they make me part of who I am today. That is beauty in my eyes (even though I struggle with it).

    8. Penny Lane says:

      As a teacher, a student, a child of God I find that I am an encourager, a cheerleader, with a positive outlook on everyoneelse’s situation in life. I have so much joy in sending a email, text message or phone call where I can cheer someone on I try and find any excuss to do this. My beauty lies in my love for friend and family around me.

    9. Kelly says:

      My intrinsic beauty comes through in my overwhelming desire to nourish and nurture. I always take on the “mom” role in most relationships and I hope this means I’m going to be a great mother to my babies one day.

    10. I find beauty on the inside, which is what I believe makes everyone beautiful on the outside.

    11. People that I don’t know very well I may find beautiful largely based on physical appearance, but once I get to know people their outward appearence becomes so much less and who they are really determines their beauty.

      I am beautiful because I fully love, there is no holding back and my feelings for you are completely visible..both good or bad.

    12. What an absolutely beautiful post! More people should be like you!

      xo

    13. Oh this is so true and such a great reminder. I needed this reminder. I have a friend who I always thought was so pretty, but on the inside, she is dark and that shows through. I have a very difficult time getting past what my face looks like in the mirror rather than trying to see what others see in my deep passion for those I love. I am very compassionate and sensitive (maybe too much so) and I give my all to relationships.

    14. I am beautiful because I love; and in that love believe that everyone is equal in the eyes of God, and I encourage people to let their light shine ~ to be the person they were created to become.

      A favorite quote, “When you get down to it, at the end of the day…the only thing that matters is who did you love. It doesn’t even matter, in the end, if they loved you back, or if they deserved your love or even accepted it. Just you –loving them. That’s all that matters.” C. Whitcomb

      Thanks again, for more great thoughts to ponder!

    15. […] I am beautiful, that inner beauty is really what defines beauty (which is true – check out Tina‘s post today for a discussion on that very topic). Something I firmly […]

    16. Bellisima! I am truly beautiful because God created me in His image:)

    17. meghan says:

      my beauty shows in the details…i like to decorate and clean the clinic so it is warm and home-like so people feel welcome when they enter, i love creating a time in people’s day for comfort and quiet on the massage table.

      • Tina says:

        I know your clients appreciate it. I always appreciate calming touches. And you reminded me – I have to call to schedule my massage gift certificate for next week!

    18. One thing that I find beautiful about me is that I have determination in all aspects. I am also a loyal friend and am willing to listen.

    19. It’s truly freeing when you get to the point where you can look at yourself and others and see beauty in people—once you get the abilitiy to look past the skin and see whats inside. It makes the world a much better place.

    20. My beauty lies in my open mind and heart. I try not to judge anyone for it is not my place. I truly believe that everyone has worth in this world. “Labels” such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and religion do not matter to me. I love that everyone is different and I appreciate everyone’s uniqueness.

      • Tina says:

        Very true! We all have worth and a purpose. We all can do fabulous things no matter what things people try to define us by.

    21. Chelsea says:

      What a great post! Thanks so much for including this! This has given me something to think about for the long weekend!

    22. Nichole says:

      OK, that quote warms your heart. Beautiful!

    23. Honestly, I sometimes have a hard time finding inner beauty. I tend to dwell on things I’ve said in the past to other people and ultimately hurt them. Years later, I still hold onto that regret. It’s pretty ridiculous, because I can easily forgive others, but I have a very hard time forgiving myself.
      That being said, I feel that I do have this regret because intrinsically, I really do care about others. I worry about them, I enjoy making others happy and I am a nurturing person.

    24. Very inspiring post, as always!! Loving this project so far! It has really been helping with some changes that are happening in my life right now…so thank you!

      I love all you give me to think about too 🙂

    25. I think my intrinsic beauty lies in my determination to achieve what I set out to do. If I want something badly enough, I’ll do what I need to do to get there. This quality has also led to a boost in self confidence, because I know that I’m capable of shaping my future. 🙂

    26. Amelia says:

      I’m really enjoying these posts and reading through the comments. It is nice to start the day off with some positivity.

      I think my inner beauty comes from my ability to listen. People are always surprised when I can recall some seemingly minor detail from things they’ve said. I can tell they appreciate it. I know I always feel more connected with people when they see conversation as a give and take or sharing.

    27. Kelly says:

      Tina, thank you for all the thought and effort you are putting into this. It is so inspiring.

      What makes me beautiful and what I first think is beautiful in another person is a genuine, beaming smile.

      • Tina says:

        It honestly doesn’t feel like effort because I love every moment I give to this. I so strongly believe in the power of our thoughts and taking the time to reflect, pray, meditate, etc on something each day. It changed my life and I will do whatever it takes to help even one person feel it has given them even the first step in changing theirs.

    28. Trisha says:

      I feel that my intrinsic beauty is in my heart. I walk in love each and every day and will serve others when I get the chance. I enjoy putting a smile on somone’s face or making their day. That brings me so much joy and happiness inside, making me feel beautiful from the inside out.

    29. Brittany P. says:

      My intrinsic beauty lies in my ability to find the good in everyone and my open mindedness. I was raised that we are all equal and not divided by any barriers like skin color, religion, sexual orientation, etc. I believe that we are all one race, the human race. I try to always see the good in people. Everyone makes mistakes but I truly try to find something good in everyone I meet. I think this is physically reflected in the warmth of my smile.

    30. Very good post. I am really enjoying doing these topics. I think they are really a good way to refelct on ourselves and to find happiness. Thanks for doing this!!

      My intrinsic beauty is my ability to joke around and not take everything too seriously.

    31. Lauren says:

      I like to think that my intrinsic beauty is in my desire to show others hospitality and kindness, and that coming through my actions of baking delicious treats, having fresh flowers, fluffy blankets, etc. 🙂 I need to remember to show myself the same kindnesses!

      http://jammininthekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/30-days-of-self-love.html

    32. I love the following quote: “‘The most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggles, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These people have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

      And I love this post. I think beauty IS deep down inside. And one thing that makes me beautiful is my ability to love. I open up to others and trust very easily, some may say too easily. And yes, it can lead to heartache. BUT i’d rather risk getting hurt from letting someone in than be someone who refuses to let others in for the fear of getting hurt. Beautiful people know how to love.

      • Tina says:

        What a GREAT quote!! And I think refusing to give up on love and carin gfor others is such a strong and beautiful quality. Love you jess!

    33. Nicole C. says:

      I can honestly say that I have never taken the time to say I am beautiful because…

      This is a tough one for me when I have always felt like there was something to improve on outwardly without thinking about the inside. This all comes to light when I was talking to my boyfriend today and he said I he loved me because I am smart, thoughtful, helpful to others with no expectation, nice and beautiful. It was an answer I wasn’t expecting to hear, which was nice to actually hear rather than have a text sent. So, an inner reflection of good I have done is something I am beautiful for, for being a positive role model for my 2 younger cousins to have a strong self image and never give up is something I feel beautiful for.

      I saw your blog since I am an avid reader of Janethas Meals and Moves.

      • Tina says:

        Janetha is so great!

        And I have to say…it’s much more beautiful to have those qualities you listed than the perfect physical features. Its hard to see when so much of culture defines beauty as what is in Hollywood. Great reflection!

    34. What a lovely post Tina!

      I know I am truly beautiful because I take care of my husband. I love making his breakfast every morning. I love helping him out by taking care of the laundry. I love giving him his “cave time” — even though I’d rather him spend time with me! 🙂

      I am beautiful because I am trying to be a good role model for my younger sisters — what does it mean to be a hard worker, a loving wife, a good friend, a caring daughter/sister.

    35. Holly says:

      I think I am beautiful because I am a nurturer (hence why, when I played “house” as a girl, I always wanted about 12 kids). 😉 I love to take care of others, and I think that quality makes people beautiful!

    36. I did something this morning that I actually had never done before. I stood in front of the mirror and I looked until I could see the real me. Not my skin, nor my hair that I wish was straighter, nor my curves that I have learned to love. I looked past everything physical and I waited until I could see ME.

      It took a while to do this actually. To let go of the thoughts about my outer appearance. Finally I saw her! I saw my heart, my passion, my love and my beauty. Now I think I can better answer the question today..

      I am beautiful because my heart is filled with so much love and gratitude. I’m beautiful because of how I take care of others, of how I desire to always be compassionate, understanding and patient. I am beautiful because I am grateful for everything in my life and I try to live only from that place of gratitude.

      A beautiful post!

      • Tina says:

        That is powerful! I bet many of us would feel uncomfortable doing that at first. I’m going to have to give it a shot. Stare at myself in the mirror until all I see is the genuine me.

    37. Caitlin says:

      I have openly admitted that I am working on overcoming judging people too quickly – and many times that comes from an outward appearance or a few minutes of interaction. I think it’s very important – and dare I say overlooked and under-appreciated – to look beyond what you see and really get to know someone and what’s on their heart. I think that’s where you see the true reflection of their character. And that to me is more beautiful than any physical attribute.

      Thanks for another wonderful read! xoxo

    38. My beauty I think is in my smile. My smile can say so much. It can say
      “Hey it’s great to see you” “I think your cute” “Hi, I don’t know you but I hope you have a great day” “Your doing a great job””I love your humor”
      “I’m here if you need me”
      or most as it did the other day “you caught me’ when I looked over at a red light and saw a guy watching me car dance to this song
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOVgZGzJ1kk

      In the words of mother teresa
      “Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing”

    39. Shayna says:

      Great post for Friday! I get to spend my last day at work feeling beautiful 🙂 Thanks, Tina! My beauty lies in my strength in the face of adversity, because these last 3 years have not been easy. God has spent them polishing me and perfecting me and my strength, patience and long-suffering make me beautiful!

      • Tina says:

        That is certainly beautiful. And I love how you recognize God’s will in the challenges…to make you an even more wonderful person!

    40. I’m beautiful because of my sense of humour and positive attitude which I try to spread around me. I’m beautiful because I care for my friends and family and do everything in my power to make them happy.

      I truly value the inner beauty more than the outside beauty. Love the quote!

    41. Camille says:

      I know I am beautiful because I am passionate. Sometimes I am moody and sometimes I am lazy but there are a few things in the world that I care about more than anything else. I am passionate about my relationship with my boyfriend. I am passionate about my family and taking care of them at any cost. I am passionate about running and it is one of my greatest loves in life.

    42. http://mylifeoffthecouch.blogspot.com/ says:

      Thanks for stopping by my blog Tina! The 30 days of self-love is such a cool concept! It’s amazing to see so many people coming together to support themselves and one another! There’s so many other blogs I want to go check out now!

    43. Kacy says:

      Your inner beauty truly radiated through your blog girl. You have a special soul and it’s so apparent. Love this girl!

    44. My intrinsic beauty is my warmth and radiance. It is my inherent being. It is in my love of myself and my ability to give an receive love without fear of rejection. It is my power and my voice. It is my compassion. My inner beauty is subtle, powerful, bright, and grounding. This I practice to embody in it’s fullest daily.

      In deep gratitude to you all!!!

      lauren

    45. KristenV says:

      I have to admit, this one took me a while! But it made me think about what’s really important – not the size of my waist or the shape of my butt 😉

      I think my inner beauty centers on being warm and caring. I want to make those I meet feel welcome, loved, cared for, and I want to show them that I’m interested in them and what they have to say.

    46. Amber says:

      As I get older, I realize that inner beauty is so valuable. Who’s to say what true “outer” beauty even looks like – it’s different for every person and every culture! My inner beauty is defined by my persistence, positive attitude, and sense of humor. Laughter is so beautiful – and soulful!

    47. Oh, inner-beauty! It’s so hard to escape the race for physical beauty, but very nice to take a minute and think about all the qualities that others truly care about.

      I know for a FACT that my loved ones will love me no matter my size, and that shared love is the most beautiful part of my life and my heart.

    48. […] here to see the original: FAITH, FITNESS, FUN » Blog Archive » 30 days of self love … Click here to visit WP Robot. Click here to visit […]

    49. homecookedem says:

      What a powerful message!! Yes, true beauty comes from within. I am beautiful because of the way I genuinely care about my family and friends. I am passionate about being the best teacher I can possibly be. And I am already a very proud and loving mama. I do everything in my power to keep my baby boy healthy and growing. I love him so much already and will do anything for him. And my relationship with God is beautiful. I love spending time talking to him and thanking him for all of my blessings. I loved reflecting on this, thank you!! 🙂

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