Why Do You Feel Beautiful?

So there is a "challenge" going around Facebook...again....getting women to post 4 pictures that "make them feel beautiful". It is not the first time it has gone around, and before I go any further please know this post is in NO way speaking against ANY person who has participated in this challenge. I participated in it last time and I have no problem with anyone doing it! It just has me thinking.

Last time when I was challenged I wasn't positive I wanted to participate. I remember hesitating but ultimately deciding I liked the idea of encouraging women to find beauty within themselves. The challenge I was tagged in this time around was even worded in such a way that it said something to the effect of being beautiful the "way that I am". But is that really true? Why the need to find photos to signify that beauty then? That is what I have been pondering the past few days.

I have seen many posts in acceptance of this challenge - I enjoy seeing them. Friends in the moments that they find beauty in themselves...that is a good thing. But I begin to think about the moments that we choose. Some women choose very special moments - moments like their weddings or when they got engaged, or even moments like when they gave birth that are less classically "beauty" moments, but never-the-less special moments in time. Others, like myself, with less moments such as those to choose from picked from nights out or days they just got lucky and looked particularly nice so clicked that selfie after several compliments. Some choose photos with loved ones because the love of others made them feel beautiful.

Why do we need special moments in life to make us feel good about ourselves? I love those moments that I just spoke about above - and I adore seeing pictures of them. I wonder, though, why is it we need those kinds of moments to remind us that we are beautiful women. If only we could truly embrace the realization that we are beautiful the way we ARE. Every day, with or without makeup. No matter what we are wearing or doing or how we are feeling. Whomever we are seeing or spending time with. We are beautiful creatures.

Do I always believe this about myself? Almost never. Do I wish all the women in my life believed it about themselves? Absolutely!

My word for this year is JOY. I am seeking to find joy in the everyday. Even in myself. Probably in myself is the hardest of all for me. But instead of participating in that challenge and finding four really good pictures of myself I did something really hard. Before I began this challenge I asked someone to take my picture. Today. Right now. I feel like crap today. I didn't even make it to work till 4pm b/c I have been struggling with a headache for about 4 days now. Guess what? That is normal for me. I am not dressed up, I am barely wearing makeup, and I did not use any filters or have her stand at an angle that makes me look better. She just took my picture.

This is me. And I am beautiful. I might not feel that way, but I am. So are you. Be joyful in who you are! I am working on it...