Luxe-Factor September 2013 volume 6 | Page 40

Inspirational Moment

36

There will be moments in your life where you will look to your left and to your right, and find no one standing next to you. As a tree stands tall, and during certain seasons, lose its leaves, you have to learn how to look to your roots and say to yourself, that you are still a beautiful person... despite the trials of life! The pain of rejection, abuse, past failures, health concerns, or harsh relationships, may seem at times, unbearable; however, you must never define yourself based on circumstances. At some point in your life, you have to concentrate on your core makeup, and acknowledge your beauty, your self-worth, and your dignity, even when no one else offers any comfort or praise.

Take a look at your reflection in the mirror and get to know yourself! Introduce yourself to the new you, and from this day forward, be your own best friend. For example, take yourself out on a date, instead of waiting for that person to call you and ask you out. Move forth in your life and stop waiting on the approval or the acceptance from another person that may NEVER come. I understand the pain of rejection, for any reason, including physical appearance, abandonment, etc. can be tramatic; however, as long as you depend on words of praise or acceptance from others, you will have a very difficult time appreciating your self-worth.

Failures are a necessary part of life. Get used to it. In fact, try to name a successful person (that you respect), or a successful company that did not experience multiple failures along the way. When the mockers and naysayers laugh each time you wear the scar of another failed attempt to pursue your dreams, look deep within, and be proud for trying just one more time. Be proud that you did NOT give up. Be proud that you are still a dynamic, aspiring individual, who will one day tell his/her story on the other side of destiny.

In some way or another, we are all different... and we are all the same. While each of us have health conditions ranging from none to severe, and we must be able to look at ourselves and praise what we do have. As hard as it may seem, learn how to praise the fact that you are still here. You are still an amazing person. You are still worthy of being loved, even if you are the primary individual loving yourself! People will talk about you when you are alive, and they will talk about you when you are dead. They will gossip about you if they perceive you as "beautiful" and they will gossip about you if they perceive you as "unattractive." They will backstab you if you are rich, and they will backstab you if you are poor. People are people. Period. Therefore, don't you EVER give your mirror to another person and accept his/her description of yourself!

I understand firsthand how depressing and how challenging it is to see your beauty when the person you love (or the people you trust) do not see any good in you, thus causing you to feel ugly. I also know that I made a HUGE mistake in my life in regards to this topic. I thought I must be told I am beautiful so that I could believe I was beautiful. I was wrong! I learned to look in the mirror and tell myself that I was a beautiful person inside and out. I also realized a very valuable lesson in regards to how I truly feel about my self-image. Before I look to another person to proclaim or define my beauty, I must FIRST believe and know that I am a beautiful person. That way, my "beauty" will always be the definition of myself, and will never be based on the condition of a relationship.

Sometimes a failed or ruined relationship is the BEST thing that could occur for you. When someone walks out of your life, or when you decide to end a relationship because you want a better life for yourself, or for your children, it is imperative that you become comfortable with standing alone. We all have flaws and things we must change to improve ourselves, but let no one ever convince you that you are not a beautiful person. The next time you find yourself standing alone, with ruined branches and fallen leaves, look deep within yourselfFeature Articles, and tell yourself that you are... Still Beautiful

Still Beautiful...

Zenja Glass