know that I am beautiful

How I did it: I spent most of my teenage years wishing I were blonde, thin and gorgeous in a Heidi Klum manner. How does a girl who's not white, not skinny and not classically pretty feel good about her appearance in a world that venerates Cameron Diaz? For me, it was by meeting people from diverse backgrounds. I learned that there isn't just one ideal of beauty and that people have the quirkiest preferences. One boyfriend was in love with the hollow at the base of my back and just amazed at its curve. I never thought that was someting that could be sexy. Another noticed the softness of my skin, yet another my lips and smile. I stopped trying to go against nature - streaking my black hair blonde (not a good look) - and accepted my black hair, dark skin and brown eyes. I developed my own sense of style and figured out which clothes made me feel sexy and attractive. Finally, I stopped wasting time worrying that no one would find me pretty - it isn't something you waste time over when you know that all that really matters is your own body image. There are still thousands of guys who won't even glance at me if I walk past them - thing is, I don't care because I know that I'm attractive in a way that other guys do appreciate, and it doesn't matter that I don't represent everyone's preference. There really is no universal preference and feeling upset that you can't please everyone is a monumental time-waster. I realized how lucky and healthy I am, and decided to enjoy it. If I stopped being the ugly duckling, all I changed was my perspective.

Lessons & tips: Don't dye your black hair blonde.
Don't curl your straight hair.
Don't try to get rid of the sexy curve of your hips.
Don't moan about not having an ass.
Don't bleach your skin.
Don't complain about skinny legs.
Don't hate your muscular thighs.
There's nothing wrong with knowing what makes you feel sexiest, what you love about your body and doing harmless little things to enhance and preserve your looks - just don't exaggerate (multiple surgeries) and most of all, don't let appearances get you down.

Resources: Friends.
Love.
Time to reflect and mature.

May 19, 03:22PM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers