in the past i worried about my appearance constantly, thinking if i could just look a particular way then everything would be perfect. i would have achieved the status of being a 'good woman' and the world would love me more. but lately i have been learning that frankly is not true. not at all.
i don't look like women in magazines. but i do look like arianne. and i am thankful for that. our imperfections, our quirks make us unique. these intricate details were instilled in us as God formed us each into an artistic creation.
i have begun looking at my body. my whole body. my physical body. i am beginning to learn that i am a whole being. i am not defined by my stomach or my thighs. i want to delight in the beauty of each part of my body and my body as a whole, instead of feeling shame over individual parts that may not seem ideal.
i want to be loved for me. for arianne. who i am, not a person that i am trying to imitate. i want to be loved in a way that is whole and beautiful, being loved and appreciated for what i have to offer not accepted on the condition that i alter my body to be 'perfect' by some warped ideal.
laughter is beautiful. wrinkles and the wisdom that comes with age are beautiful. laugh lines and scars that illustrate part of someone's story and journey are beautiful. the way our bodies gracefully transition into old age after we have spent a lifetime maturing is beautiful. the way a child allows their hair to carelessly fly every which way as they look at the world with carefree wonder is beautiful. you are all beautiful: stretch marks, thighs, stomachs, too much here, not enough there, your nose, your skin, your hair. all of you. you are you and that is beautiful.
i am loved. i am significant. i am Christ's beloved and He is mine. and so are you, dear ones.
what do i find beautiful? joy and authenticity. to me, that is beauty.
