Often, we are our worst critics. That voice inside says, "You're not good enough, or you're not that beautiful."

It is all too easy for us to ruin a good day by bombarding negative thoughts about ourselves. Most of the time, it lingers in our minds unconsciously.

Our flaws, perceived or real, make us dissatisfied in general, and often we find ourselves absolutely unhappy. Adding to it all, we envy beautiful, successful people on social media and the seemingly "this is the life" they're living.

Little do we know that we're spending a lot of time focusing on imperfections instead of working on ourselves to be our kind of beautiful. In this post, I'll share important tips on how to embrace YOU holistically.

What does it mean to be your kind of beautiful?

It means believing in who you are from the inside and what you stand for. It is to believe in your own unique self, allowing you to glow and shine with confidence. This begins with developing your inner self.

Embracing your natural beauty & who you are

Doing this might seem impossible. I know it can be hard initially when you look around and find a lot of gorgeous individuals living their best lives. But then, again, the fruits of reward will be worth the effort you'll put in to be your uniquely beautiful self.

Embracing your natural beauty comes from your intention to take care of and love yourself, which isn't based on social standards of beauty. It starts from within and radiates to the outside. Here are ways to embrace your natural beauty and become your best self.

Accept yourself

Each of us has strengths and unique beautiful qualities that make our person – what and who we really are.

You've control of your thoughts, and you're the only one that can define yourself.

Accepting yourself comes with being mindful of your self-esteem and your perspective. Your focus is what really matters for you, and this intention will come from within.

Know your qualities and values and live your best life according to them, not based on what people might think or say.

It's true beauty – beauty that doesn't have to conform to the norms or follow any social standards.

You set your own path, and you follow it.

You're neither influenced nor swayed by outer factors, like peer pressure or social media, to determine what you value and what your standards are.

Surround yourself with the people that bring out the best in you, not the worst in you

Be with people that lift you up and push you to become your better version, people who are genuinely warm and caring – and whose objective is to see you succeed.

And then focus on others and support them. It's one of the best ways to overcome any poor perception you could have of yourself.

It's because you're shifting your perspective while also supporting the inner beauty of the people around you.

By supporting and lifting others, you're doing yourself a favour because you're adding a fresh perspective to yourself, and it can make you feel good. Why not? You'll never lose in kindness.

Look for the good in other people, speak only kindness, and act with kindness.

Know that there's no ideal beauty

To embrace your natural beauty and be your own kind of beautiful, set your own standard and pace to achieve your personal best and be aware that there is no 'perfection' as depicted on social media. 

"Beauty is no quality in things themselves: It exists merely in the mind which contemplates them, and each mind perceives a different beauty." - David Hume

There is no ideal beauty.

What the internet and social media have instilled in our minds are unrealistic beauty standards, leaving a lot of women less confident and doubtful of their appearance and unique qualities.

Be mindful of your thoughts when browsing social media, watching Netflix and other things that could trigger self-limiting thoughts. This is especially so when you compare your life with the seemingly 'perfect life' of others which may make you feel less satisfied with your natural beauty and your life. 

Practice self-care

Self-care isn't selfish; it's self-love!

Often, we tend to put ourselves at the bottom of the list because we prioritise other people and take care of their needs before our own.

While there's nothing wrong with taking care of the people in our lives and your selflessness is admirable, don't forget that there's someone who needs your love, care, and attention – YOU.

I need not emphasise this, but you cannot give what you don't have. You can't pour from an empty bottle – that's why you should love yourself too.

Taking good care of yourself physically and mentally will give you more energy, more confidence, and higher motivation to love others because LOVE begins within you.

Eat healthy, exercise, drink a lot of water, pamper yourself, and practice meditation. All these are essential to your physical and mental health.

Wear comfortable clothing that makes you feel and look good, not only clothes that you like or that are in fashion.

They should be well-fitting – and with the right colours! You can consult an image stylist who can guide and help you wear your colours to absolutely look your best all the time.

You're beautiful with or without makeup. Take the pressure off your shoulders, as again, IDEAL BEAUTY doesn't exist. Be comfortable in yourself from head to toe!

Final thoughts

Embrace your natural beauty and be your kind of beautiful! Let go of the negative thoughts that put you down and that dampen your view of yourself.

Shift your perspective from unrealistic beauty standards into self-acceptance and be proud of your unique beauty that comes from your core and radiates to the outside.

Accepting your unique beauty can take time and effort, but everything will be worthwhile. Believe that you're your own kind of beautiful and that you don't let other people define it for you.

Find your unique factor – what makes you different and what separates you from the rest, and then build up on that. Develop yourself to become the best version of who you're because you're worth your best effort.

CELEBRATE NATURAL BEAUTY AND BE UNAPOLOGETIC FOR WHAT YOU ARE START HERE, NOW!

Love,