What is beauty?
Several days ago a new friend of mine asked me this very question. By asking the question I think he earned the title friend at that moment. I took my time and gave it very serious thought. I hope you do too.
Beauty is not a reflected image in a mirror. Beauty is reflected in the eyes of another soul shining brighter because you sincerely showed them love. "How do you do that, you ask?"
Let's break it down together. Many of the cliches are true.
Love is doing something to help someone, especially when it doesn't benefit you. "How can you sincerely do that?" When you are secure with yourself. "How can you do that?" Love yourself. "How?" Start with forgiving yourself. You will not beat yourself up with the past any more. You will be proud of your decisions from that day forward. "Narcissistic?" I do not mean as a Narcissist. Secure people foster relationships and naturally build other up. Their positive nature shines through. Genuine beauty is first being at peace with yourself. Once you own the pleasure of having that sense of mind love radiates from you. Call it a domino effect, ripple, whatever, your spiritual self is what you are.
Beauty doesn't look for approval or seek the affections of others. "Then why do 'the pretty people' receive approval and affection from everyone?" Good question. Because they sacrifice themselves for others? No! Beauty has much higher motives. True beauty receives praise as a side effect. Beauty is. Beauty does. I remind you of step one. In loving yourself you prioritize your time. After all it's you only prized asset, treasure it, and most of all guard it. Beauty takes time with a stranger because you know you can help. When that person walks away from you they gained more tan they could have asked.That is beauty you can feel. You don't care if anyone sees it or not. You don't care if everyone or anyone approves of your actions.