beautiful

several years ago, i read an article in a magazine about women and their perspectives on beauty. there was a poll that asked women at what age they felt that they were most beautiful. i was surprised to find that the most common answer was - 38 years old.

interesting, isn't it? you look at the age of the average female model and i'm guessing that it's somewhere between 16-25 years old - but it's not until over a decade later when most women feel that they are at their most beautiful.

i've realized that i am rarely jealous of a woman who is physically beautiful, but what i'm much more drawn to, curious about, and sometimes jealous of is this - a woman who is confident.

so that poll actually reflects something very interesting - and maybe not so surprising after all. during your early years, even if you are what is considered physically beautiful - the affirmations you receive are all external. so much of what you feel about yourself is defined by your environment and by trying to obtain the approval of others or trying to rebel against it. your beauty is light and fresh - but fragile.

as you get older, you begin to define your own sense of beauty, you find what's inside of you that you love - and that which allows you to love and appreciate others. you learn how to feel comfortable in your own body, in your own heart, and in knowing your own mind. then your own internal affirmations strengthen and this confidence radiates outwards. your beauty is deep and complete - and strong.

to all my dear girlfriends - you get more beautiful to me everyday. :)