Body Image Issues: You’ve Always Been Beautiful

Last Updated on December 8, 2022 by Lori Geurin

When you think of the word beautiful what, or who, do you think of? Beauty is such a relative term, isn’t it? We each have our own concept of beauty. Of course, we have inner beauty. And then there’s outer beauty.

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Ideas of Beauty

Here are some common everyday examples of beauty that might come to mind:

• the beach
• the sunset
• a lovely bouquet of flowers
• a bride on her wedding day
• a blanket of pure, white snow covering as far as the eye can see
• a vibrant painting
• a waterfall
• the Grand Canyon
• early morning light
• butterflies
• the view from atop a mountain
• a desert
• a dessert, like these Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
• a starry night
• fall leaves
• a rugged landscape

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Body Image Issues and Words Of Wisdom

As a girl, I remember my sweet Mom once told me, “Beauty is as beauty does”

I’ve passed this advice along to our daughters, and remind them that true beauty comes from what’s inside your heart.

But, if you have teenagers, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. It’s not always easy to encourage a healthy body image in a young person growing up in our world. This is particularly true when they become more mobile and get a social media account.

Obsessing over outward appearances can be discouraging and damaging to your self-concept, young and old alike. It can make you feel that you’ll never measure up to the airbrushed photos we see everywhere. Believe me, I’ve been there.

Years ago, body image was an issue mostly girls and women dealt with, but it’s growing more common with boys and men now too.

Media Influence on Body Image Issues

The notion that “beauty comes from the inside” is contrary to the messages we’re bombarded with daily.

From photo-shopped magazine covers and newspaper ads to TV commercials and movies. It’s especially challenging to teach this concept of inner beauty to girls and boys when they’re flooded with YouTube videos, our nation’s strange obsession with celebrities, selfies, and plastic surgery.

Where Does True Beauty Come From?

Psalm 34 says “Those who look to Him (God) are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”

Ultimately, I believe God is the only one who can make me into a truly beautiful person. (And I’m definitely a work in progress!)

In fact, even though some days it’s hard for me to believe, He says I’m beautiful already. That I don’t have to work for it. I only need to trust in Him and He will provide everything I need. 

And you know what? He’ll do the same for you too.

I’m thankful that no matter how badly I mess up, He brings beauty from ashes. 

He can deliver good from the bad in our crazy, mixed-up world.

I’m convinced everyone is beautiful in their own special way. Yes, that includes you!

Many people, men, and women alike believe the lies we’ve been shown from our appearance-obsessed society.

But you were created for a purpose that is so much greater than being a certain size, or having the perfect hair, makeup, shoes, abs, biceps, skin, face, eyes…et cetera, et cetera.

I’m certainly not saying there’s anything wrong with improving your appearance, dressing nicely, or looking put together. I’m into fashion and enjoy wearing the latest trends as much as the next girl (when I’m not working from home in yoga pants, hoodies, and baseball caps). Wink, wink.

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Wellness Strategies To Improve Your Body Image Issues

There are positive changes you can make to enhance your life and the way you feel about yourself. You can:

• Work out
• Eat healthy, real food
• Use natural remedies, such as coconut oil and apple cider vinegar.
• Sculpt your body by lifting weights.  
• Lose weight or lower your body fat with intermittent fasting.
• Practice positive self-talk.
• Write in a gratitude journal.

These strategies can boost your health and help you live longer. Just remember that whatever changes you make to the outside are great, but the inside is what matters most.

I know it’s a cliche, but it’s true. I hope you know you’re beautiful! 

What can you do to positively impact the way people around you view beauty?

Please share your thoughts below in the comment section.