2 Percent.
For some reason it stuck with me and I've thought of it a few times this week. Now, overall, I like Dove's attempt to help women feel good about themselves and show that beauty can look [different] many ways. I appreciate the natural photographs of real women and older women who are aging gracefully. That being said, I also wondered if the whole question is wrong.
Now if I were to fill out an official survey and I had to check the box yes or no if I would consider myself beautiful...I would check no. I am not saying this, in any way, so I receive positive affirmation/comments that I am indeed "beautiful". When I see what is depicted as beautiful in society I find areas of my own looks that don't fit the bill. This is not to say that I don't think I have attractive features, because I think I do. Long story short I wouldn't put myself in the 2%.
For me, I've tried to sort out this topic before. I have physical features that aren't my favorite. People say the darndest things too.
But then I get a grip and think...You know, does it really matter?! If I'm "beautiful" or not. Beautiful, as in meeting the standards set by some classic definition. And even if the unattainable definition of true "beauty" is met...who cares? At the end of my life is anyone going to say...Kate made such a difference in my life because she had the best figure? Will my kids say the thing they appreciated most was that I was so pretty? Will people at my funeral say what they loved about me was my stunning good looks? God, help us, I hope not!
Our culture is obsessed with [outward] beauty. As a mother to two daughters, I hope I teach them that there are far more important questions than "Am I pretty?"
Maybe surveys should ask questions that matter. Why is the main focus on pretty? It's fine to be pretty but the inward qualities of my daughters are far more important. Are you kind? Are you loving [God & people]? Are you embracing life, learning, and growing? Are you strong? Are you standing up for what's right? Are you living a truthful life? Are you a good friend? Are you a diligent student? Do you realize that you are precious, valuable, and a one-of-a kind original?
Not that there is anything wrong with pretty. I like pretty things and so do both my girls. They love to wear dresses and jewelry. But, as their mom, I do not want to do anything to add to the pressure and the overwhelming message of society on the importance of how they look. I want the message to be...they are loved. They are enough. I love them because they are my daughters.
The people I love are beautiful to me. I see them, I know their story, I see the way they give to others, the joy they bring and they are beautiful. Of course, I'm biased. I don't know if they would be considered "beautiful" on a survey. I don't care. I hope I follow their examples and help to make life more beautiful for them and others.
Then I remember I am a daughter, a valuable, a one-of-a kind original and that leads me to re-think the question, "Am I beautiful?" Yes, I am.
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