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Category: Self-Reflection

With life being as busy as it is, setting time apart to self reflect can be difficult. It can be beneficial to think of ways we can learn from ourselves and others. Here we discuss the importance of self reflecting your personal beauty.

  • The Girl and the Vending Machine

    What To Do Once A Month?

     Once a month, I go on an eating spree. I take myself to a vending machine and shove ten dollars and the annoying change I accumulated over the month into it, then I proceed to leave said vending machine with six packages of chips, chocolate and cookies. Sometimes, that once a month spree means one brownie and leave the vending machine with three bags of things. It is absolutely the most enjoyable day of the month in my opinion.

    And Then What Happens?

    I find a private place to sit first, then I play a show on my phone before cracking open all my bags of snacks and then shoving all that unhealthy junk into my face. That feeling  is unbeatable. Food makes people happy, so that time frame is pure bliss. My brain is literally almost empty minus the thought of, “these chips taste so good” and “this show is amazing”. It’s admittedly not the best thing to be doing because it leaves me craving that amount of junk food each day over the next few days. And sometimes, I do give in. Some months, my “guilty pleasure day” becomes my “guilty pleasure days”. It takes willpower to stop after just one day and I don’t have that kind of willpower every month. But for most of them, I do. And it feels good, being able to stop yourself before you fall down a rabbit hole. The amount of serotonin that comes with consuming that much junk also makes waiting a month really worth it. 

    Enjoy With Caution

         Don’t be afraid to have stuff you like. Maybe don’t do it the way I do, though. My eating habits aren’t that great, but that shouldn’t matter. You can think for yourself. I’m just a random voice on the internet writing an opinion piece.

         Be smart out there, but don’t be afraid of having that cheat meal. Stay safe, healthy, and try to find joy.

  • To Be Beautiful Means…

    Three hundred (give or take) words on what beauty means to me

    Beauty Is Something Complex

     Beauty is a complex thing with too many standards, too many restrictions and too many expectations. My Chinese female self associates beauty with clear skin, a pale complexion, wide eyes, and a skinny body. And, of course, who doesn’t like a symmetrical face? My body does not fit those beauty standards and my face is so asymmetrical, I make myself cringe in the mirror. 

         But, sometimes, on occasions, I feel beautiful. I’m wearing my favorite shirt and nothing can ruin my day. 

    All Up In Our Heads

         Do we all worry about what people think of us? We all have fleeting thoughts about strangers we see so of course we would worry about what people think about us in return. That thought about what random strangers see when they look at me proceeds to make me want to sink into the ground and not come out for the rest of the day. What other people think about me shouldn’t matter as much as it does to me, in all honesty. And I recognize that. It’s just not easy to stop a train of thought. 

    But, Who Cares?

         At the end of the day though, it’s what I think about myself and what the people I love think about me that matter. I can be wearing the ugliest shirt in the world, but if it makes me happy, I feel beautiful. The added bonus is when my friends just accept the fact that I’m in what could possibly be a pajama top, and move on. It’s mutual, really. They could be mid-bite of ice cream in a picture, but I would frame that picture in a heartbeat.

    Be You

         Beauty is what you make of it and what makes you happy. Beauty is not caring about what people think because random strangers don’t matter (no matter what your brain tells you). Beauty is finding joy with the important people in your life. Beauty is treating yourself with kindness and respect and treating others the same. Beauty is trying your best at living your life.

         Exercise caution on the web, and be beautiful out there.

  • Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I hold this statement to be true. Society has set beauty “standards” that simply do not benefit anyone, even those who fit said “standards”. When the word beauty is mentioned, what is the first thing that comes to mind? The first thing that might come to mind might be physical appearance and that’s ok. Unfortunately, this is how the word and concept of beauty is first taught to many of us. It can be damaging to have one perspective of beauty. It is time to unlearn this single version of what beauty means. Take that power back and define beauty under your own terms, self love is the best kind of love.

    Defining Beauty for Ourselves

    In a society that constantly pushes impossible and ever changing beauty standards, it can be difficult to understand what beauty means to us. The thing about beauty is that it is everywhere! Beauty does not have to look a certain way, be a certain color, have a certain shape, sound a certain way. Beauty is what you decide it is, much like art. The simple fact that someone disagrees with you should not discourage you from believing that something or someone is beautiful. That is the first thing to know about defining beauty, not everyone will agree with you and that is ok because they do not have to. 

    I find beauty in the unconventional, the experimental. The world would be quite boring if everything and everyone in it looked the same. We would not have much to be inspired from. Beauty is inspiration and it is limitless. I find beauty in my culture, in music, in knowledge, in community, in people, in my everyday observations. We are quick to judge but if we take a closer look and remain open-minded, we are bound to find something we may find beautiful. Beauty is not superficial, beauty is also held within. Your thoughts, your kind gestures and your knowledge contribute greatly to how you present yourself to the world. Be kind to yourself, always.

    What are some ways that you redefine beauty?

  • Defining Beauty on My Own Terms

    The answer to the “what is beauty?” is not limited to physical attributes. Beauty comprises numerous features like being kind, strong-hearted, sincere, and real.

    Societal stories usually prescribe stringent notions of beauty, leaving behind many people. The fact that beauty is diverse and cannot be defined by any set standards is liberating (Mady et al., 2022). Such a view enables people to enjoy specifics, kinks, or imperfections.

    Acknowledging further, beauty is evident in people’s actions and how people treat each other (Sartwell, 2012). Compassion, resiliency, and authenticity (Sartwell, 2012). This is apparent in a beaming smile, warm presence, or a spirited demeanor.

    As one grows up, one may notice that beauty is not just about conformity. It is all about shattering the stereotype and being beautiful based on one’s definition. People begin to notice beauty in simple yet touching gestures like a comforting hug or the warmth in a smile exchanged between strangers.

    Secondly, beauty covers the surrounding environment and experiences as well. It is in a stunning sunset, a work of art that provokes one, or a tune that touches the heart. Within the kindness of strangers, the resiliency of communities, and the steadfastness of those who aspire to a better world.

    This implies that beauty is a personal and dynamic thing that changes with time. People who understand beauty is more than being physically attractive allow themselves to see and embrace its many facets. Strengths, vulnerabilities, victories, and struggles are what beauty is about.

    In summary, understanding what beauty means a process of personal self-discovery and acceptance is. This is about seeing the beauty that is beyond the mirror itself. People should adopt personal notions of beauty and embrace their individuality by embracing others.