30 Ways To Embrace Real Beauty Now

Sometimes we get caught up in ourselves.

In our reflections.

In our rejections.

We look to reconnect with that person inside of us, but often settle for a passing reflective surface and a snap judgment about how we look and what we’re wearing.

Maybe we are torturing ourselves. Maybe we’re not eating. Maybe we’re binging. Maybe we’re purging. Maybe we are programming ourselves to feel shame about our bodies, and crossing our fingers that our children or friends and families don't see what we’re doing or why.

“My skin is gross today.”

“I feel fat.”

“I’m just not attractive.”

Maybe it’s time to stop for a minute and think about the weight of our words instead of the number on the scale.

Here are30 things I remind myself on the days that seems like a tough call to make.

1. You look exactly the way you are meant to at this very moment.
2. Fat is not a feeling.
3. You are love. You are beauty.
4. Your essence, your soul, and your amazing thirst for life, have nothing to do with a number on a scale.
5. You are not the person in the mirror. You are standing in front of it. Don’t empower a piece of glass. Don’t give it the last vote.
6. A photo is a static, 2-dimensional image that has captured one solitary moment. You are a dynamic, 3-dimensional being that is stepping into your future, one moment at a time. There’s a difference.
7. Even models can’t look like the pictures of themselves.
8. If you don’t like your legs today, put on some running shoes and walk for a cause.
9. When it comes to material beauty, choose the options that will bring you inner peace, happiness, and make you feel light inside.
10. Take off your mask. And when you’ve done that, take off the ‘I’ve taken off the mask’ mask too.
11. Relax into your body without thinking about what other people see. Breathe.
12. No one knows what you think you’re supposed to look like. They only know how amazing you are now.
13. Accept every compliment whole-heartedly and enjoy each one. Then pay it forward and feel even better.
14. Say thank you when someone says you’re beautiful. They’re seeing your inner light.
15. Have fun with your hair. Dye it. Chop it. Grow it. Extend it. Perm it. Just don’t ever hide behind it.
16. Stop comparing yourself to others. There is only one you.
17. Eat consciously, peacefully, and slowly.
18. Make a deal with yourself: spend as much time worrying about your internal organs as you do your external appearance.
19. Don’t believe that you’re unattractive just because you’re not having sex, and don’t feel that you have to have sex just to be desirable.
20. You don't need anyone’s permission to feel beautiful.
21. Sexuality is not reserved for those who are deemed attractive by others.
22. Don’t wait for someone to pick you. Pick yourself.  
23. Replace the sizing labels in your clothes with labels that you write awesome messages on. Trust me. You’ll love putting on your ‘KICK ASS’ pants with your ‘I Got This’ shirt.
24. Your body is a messenger. Listen to it and give it the rest and nourishment it’s asking for instead of ganging up on it.
25. It’s not about weight. It’s about health.
26. If you are constantly focused on losing weight, you are living in a world of loss.
27. Ask yourself why you’d rather put energy into convincing yourself that you’re not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, or talented enough; than into your confidence, self-worth, and self-love?
28. It’s ok to be fragile. Be kind to yourself.
29. Let yourself be.
30. Let yourself be loved.

Stay positive,

XO Kat