Beauty is defined as a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.
When I look into the mirror, I see fine lines, a strand of grey hair, few black spots.
Signs of ageing!
Is it pleasing to the sight?
Might be for some, as they may associate it with a sign of maturity.
Until a year ago, I didn’t give a thought to this too. I didn’t care about the black spots or fine lines or thinning of hair. But now I do. Because when I look into the mirror I want to feel beautiful.
I know one might contest my thoughts and argue that ‘Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder ‘or one should not care about looks, beauty is how you are as a person, appearances change with time, attitude matters. But I would like to assert that I do know I am a beautiful person. People compliment me for my looks. People also compliment me that I am a genuine person. They say I am wise, helpful and honest. I know that. My values and ethics are important to me. And that sums up that I am a beautiful person.
However, since I have never really bothered about how I look during my teens or in my 20’s, I want to nurture it now that I am in my late 30’s and approaching Midlife. I want to take care of my skin, my hair. I want to feel beautiful inside -out. I want to invest my time and money on beauty.
I might want to buy the anti-ageing creams and the masks. I want to watch the you-tube videos on how to take care of your skin using natural products. I want to do all that and more. And I want to invest my time in feeling beautiful from within too. That’s what beauty means to me now.
This quote by Salma Hayek sums it up for me beautifully,
“People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves”.
I am participating in the #blogchatterA2Z, #AtoZchallenge. Read my post-A Is For Ambition too.
It’s a great feeling to feel beautiful. It can’t be felt or defined by an outsider. Loved reading your take on beauty. Good one!
Beautiful post by beautiful you.
Thanks so much.
Beauty lies in how we define it – outer appearance or the inner soul. You words reflect your beautiful soul. And, there is absolutely nothing wrong in playing dress up and pleasing oneself. 🙂
I intend to do that Disha. Thanks for your kind words.
Like you, I was never a “beauty” person as well. But sometimes, I’ve realised it is liberating. To know you think of yourself as beautiful is an amazing feeling.
Your posts are truly amazing Aesha.
Thanks Tamanna. I am glad someone is like me
You are a beautiful person inside and out Aesha. And kudos to you for being so open and honest about your feelings. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to take care of yourself and that does not include only your inner self but your outer self too. And I know that by taking up yoga and dancing you are working towards both.
Thanks Mahak. Yes I am enjoying Kathak a lot too. And it makes me feel beautiful as it is improving my poise .
And why not, if I may ask? What’s the harm in taking care of oneself? Yes, I want to feel good and beautiful from within and outside. Your post is a great push for many of us who want to feel beautiful, want to look good, not because they want it, but more for others. Let’s just give others a rest and do everything for ourselves, because we want it, because we want to feel good. I hope this post reaches far, Aesha 🙂
Thanks Rashi. Let’s just do it for ourselves. Thanks for stopping by and your best wishes.
Beautifully written aesha. Could not agree more. b is for beautiful and C is for Change – Cacophony in the kitchen. Do have your say on my post too. Have a nice day 🙂
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Aesha, your post reminded me of a story in which a man, somehow, accidentally landed in an island of blind people, and there, beauty was not defined by the sight but the touch. Words are hollow. It’s us who put meaning in them. Our life is a canvas and we are the artist who put colours in it. In this sense, Salma Hayek quote is very relevant that you’re the beholder. In the words of William Ernest Henley, “I’m the master of my fate, I’m the captain of my soul.”
Thanks Ravish for your well meaning comments. I look forward to your insights on my posts.
I totally agree and the quote sums it all 🙂
C at Kohl Eyed Me
C at Something’s Cooking
Thanks for stopping by, Shalini. I am following your vegetarian recipes. And loved your Coffee post.
Beautiful post! Am sure by a beautiful soul!
Thanks a ton.
Of course everyone thinks differently, but some people feel beautiful inside only when they look beautiful on the outside as well. I think the feeling of beauty comes when you are confident about the way you look and about the impression you are making on people around you.
Some people feel beautiful not because of the way they look, but because of the talents they possess and because of traits that make them special.
Nice post. Do drop by mine.
Rightly said! Thanks for visiting my blog. I will surely visit your blog too!
Instead of making it as the random acts of kindness towards self, isnt it the best idea to be kind to self always. If not now then when?
Loved to read your thoughts Aesha.
Aesha, you are beautiful, whether you put on creams or lotions. The inner beauty reflects, remember Dorian Gray and his portrait.
I had a very different take on beauty when I was growing up. I always felt inadequate, never realized I was beautiful because I went by the standard definition of beauty. Now as I am approaching 40, I have realized I am beautiful and I like to carry the signs of ageing as a part of my beauty.
Thanks Anshu.. that is true .. I felt the same but just recently I have developed interest in dressing up and grooming myself too. Otherwise I don’t bother most of the times.
And you do it with panache! Have seen some of your pictures and the way you carry yourself, like a real diva! <3
Thanks dear , you made my day !! ?
You are beautiful inside outside. I am glad I found you in this world because you are truly a beautiful soul. And you have created a beautiful world around you. And just remember on thing.. beauty lies in the hands of the BEER holder. 😉 hahahha
Thanks so much for such kind words Tara. Bang on ! I agree on the beer angle ! ?
Taking care of yourself creates more beauty in the world, however you define taking care of yourself. So have at it with the anti-aging creams and such. Just remember to also admire the beauty that is in imperfection. The Japanese refer to that as wabi-sabi.
Yes Karen. Thanks a lot , I will indeed remember that. There is indeed important to feel beautiful with imperfections too.
Lovely Aesha, I am so glad you brought a new perspective to B for Beauty. Yes the Salma Hayek’s quote sums it up perfectly well. Be the Beholder, it will bring new lease of life and freshness to self belief.
Thanks Dipika for appreciating. The quote kind of struck the right chord with my thoughts
Looking for beauty inside us is really important. Good post Aesha
Thanks Balaka.
That quote sums it up far too well. I too believe that I am the “beholder”, unless I feel beautiful there is no point in how others feel. And for me too that means indulging in myself, spending on myself in looking beautiful , dont see anything wrong with that. In fact its a step further in self love!
The quote by Salma Hayek was just too perfect for what I am feeling about myself. Yes, nothing wrong in self-love!
I agree with you aesha .Beautiful mind and thought glorifies everything around it!!!
yes indeed Ishita. Thanks for stopping by.
Golden tips.. thanks…the fact remains that we are ageing ?
?. Yes that’s the fact but enjoy every age !
It’s true. Everyone has a point in their lives when they start relying upon outside objects to look beautiful which is perfectly fine. Beauty has different meanings and is completely subjective…. But inner beauty is always a must which you certainly have got. All the best for the A to Z challenge. ?
Thanks Arjun.
You are a beautiful soul. And that reflects on your face. What more can you ask for? 😉 love you :*
Thanks Priya