During the self-love reflection topics, we have discussed many varying ideas that relate to living our best life and loving ourselves fully in the process. We discuss aspects of our minds (perspective), our bodies (trusting their intuitive nature), and our hearts (love from others motivating love for self).

Our inner workings truly make us beautiful. Our outward characteristics do so as well…and not just because what our bodies can do, like we share in the gifts of the body posts.We must also believe the term “beautiful” can be an accurate way to describe our physical appearance.

No two people on this Earth share the exact same physical characteristics. Even identical twins up close display different features thanks to different experiences and preferences. The uniqueness of you alone is enough to make you beautiful. We each have alluring qualities in which we can build our confidence and recognize as attractive.

[Dove campaign]

We cannot definitively define beauty, as each culture and every individual within that culture holds a distinct opinion of what classifies beauty. Do not allow the trap of popular opinion to ensnare you into thinking you lack beauty. That simply is not true. Find what you think makes you beautiful and take pride in it. What feature do you deep within your gut know makes you physically beautiful? Do not believe any different and bask in the gratification of honoring your unique appeal.

We must not forget that outward appearance does not define our worth as a whole. However, me must also feel free to declare our beauty on the outside. We all desire it…and we all have it.

What physical characteristic makes you beautiful? I have always received compliments on my eyes and I truly think they are beautiful. They are big and a vibrant green. I love how unique they are to me.

Jealousy has many varying levels. Simply looking on with a bit of longing to outright frustration or hatred for what you deem others have better. Often times, more trivial matters spark jealousy – someone’s looks, material items, or popularity. However, we may even find ourselves wishing for their work ethic, family life, positive outlook, happiness, etc as well. Admiring others for their positive attributes and successes cultivates a supporting world. Obsessing and wishing for those same things produces an environment of hurt in relationships with others and yourself.

When we harbor jealousy, it quickly becomes a two ton pack weighing down our shoulders and our lives. The glow of others’ apparent prosperity seems to highlight our weaknesses and turn them into moths drawn to a flame of self-destruction. Remember how we discussed perfection does not exist in this world? Well, not only can it not happen in our lives, but the impossible nature of perfection applies to others as well.

The most beautiful of women with those “perfect” bodies typically have airbrushes working magic on the flaws that undoubtedly exist. Or that gorgeous woman you work with may have so much hurt and insecurity inside that her only happiness lies in her looks. She may even be wearing Spanx.

The most put-together of your friends or loved ones definitely face their own struggles, insecurities, hurts, wants, and frustrations with life. If you could dig a little deeper, you would see the dust swept under the rug of their “perfect” life.

[source]

The co-workers, fellow bloggers, people in your yoga class, etc, etc, etc that you may envy for their fabulous salaries, lives, bodies, etc, etc, etc may in fact envy things they deem perfect about you.

We can never know the whole story. So why would we base our worth on the parts of our life we imagine fault us but not others? Center your worth on your qualities. Strive to become the best version of your self, not someone else. Determine what matters in your life and revolve your life around those things. Picture your life through a camera lens. Only you should be in focus. Everything else blurs into the background.

[source]

You become the defining factor of your life. Your loves, goals, interests, etc. These will inevitably extend outwards to others, as they should, but with you in focus, others no longer determine your world. They simply fulfill it as part of you…or fade away into oblivion.

Quote to Reflect On
Envy is a symptom of lack of appreciation of our own uniqueness and self worth.  Each of us has something to give that no one else has. ~Elizabeth O'Connor

What ways do you encounter jealousy? How can it hold you back? What could you look to in yourself or your life when wishing for what others have?

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