Real Beauty

I am not an effortless beauty. My hair's too thin to do anything with, even if I did know how. My eyebrows are too thick and dark, my skin is too white, and I have too many pimples. And freckles. My skin gets red too easily, especially on my chest. My legs are too short. I have boy hips. The hair on my arms bugs me, my stomach is too squishy, and my hands are too small to play Vince Guaraldi effortlessly. I can't write poetry on a whim, and most of the time it sounds forced; the same with writing lyrics for songs. I'm terrible at formulating thoughts while speaking to anyone that isn't my keyboard.

We are all our own worst critiques; we never see ourselves as the beautiful creatures that we are. Maybe it's part of our human nature, or maybe it's something we learn. Maybe it was something originally intended to keep us humble, because if we saw ourselves for who we really are, we would enjoy and bask in our beauty so much that we wouldn't be beautiful at all anymore. Just big-headed egotistical turds.

But what happens when we are constantly rating ourselves as sub-par or below average? When we truly believe it, that's what we will portray to people. We aren't beautiful, I'm not worthy, you don't owe me any respect, because I'm not anyone special. We lower our standards. We accept the love we think we deserve.

That's why it's so crucial that we have good friends. Their eyes aren't clouded with self-image. That's why for all you men out there, it is so important to tell the women in your life how beautiful they are. Because even though you know it, and it may seem so obvious to you that you don't need to say it, we often don't see ourselves like that. We look in the mirror and see all the flaws. And even when you do tell us, we won't believe it. Not the first time, maybe not even the tenth time. But if you tell us enough I guarantee you it will sink in.

So guys, don't keep it to yourselves. Or anyone for that matter. When did we stop acknowledging beauty when we see it? It seems the only time we say anything positive or complimentary about someone is once they're gone, and then they never get to hear it. And for some people, that could change a lot in their lives, maybe even save their lives. You never know.

So here comes the sappy, but hey, I love it:

Ms.Beltran, I really appreciate how you never wear makeup. You're being real with us, and it makes me feel like I can be real with you. It's not an act, no strings attached pure Beltran, and you own it. It's an inspiration.

Alex, you're one of the nicest people I know, and I love that we've become so comfortable with each other. You have a really unique vocal talent, and I know I tell you that all the time, but really. It's bomb.

Cameron, I love our Starbucks runs and how you make everyone feel like they're your best friend. It's really a gift.

Sydney, I always knew there was something about you. You got spunk, you're confident, and I've always looked up to that. And not to mention you always look stunning, keep it real girlie. Thanks for the video, which inspired this post.

There are a lot more people I could call out, and from now on I'm going to try to. But one big huge thank you to all the people who read this blog, and especially to Beltran (again, I will forever be in your debt) who shared it, despite the ensuing embarrassment and awkwardness. Every page view I see is a lollipop moment in itself.

So thank you all.
~Kat

P.S. In remembrance of Jonathon Vargas, let's all try to tell at least one person tomorrow how beautiful they are. It could never hurt.