The Real Beauty Within: The Impact of Imaginary Standards

Who ever told you, you weren’t good enough? Or you didn’t look ‘right’?

Who had the right to tell you your lips don’t meet an imaginary standard?

Who had the audacity to judge and comment on the size of your boobs, hips or smile lines?

In today's world, beauty standards are constantly evolving, shaped by the ever-changing trends of social media and popular culture. These standards often present an unattainable ideal, focusing on youth, slimness, and flawless features. As a result, you may find yourselves caught in a cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction, constantly comparing yourself to these unrealistic, imaginary expectations.

This relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to a decline in self-worth. As you continue to judge yourself, you begin to feel inadequate and unworthy unless you conform to these standards. This can manifest in various ways, such as engaging in unhealthy behaviours like restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, or even resorting to cosmetic procedures like injections and surgeries.

However, it's important to recognise that true beauty lies beyond superficial appearances. It resides within our hearts, minds, and souls. By cultivating gratitude and compassion for ourselves and others, we can break free from the cycle of self-judgement and embrace our unique beauty.

Practising gratitude involves appreciating the big and small, in doing so, we shift our focus from lack to abundance, fostering a sense of fulfilment and joy. Compassion, on the other hand, involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, recognising our imperfections and accepting them without self-criticism.   

By embracing gratitude and compassion, we can begin to accept ourselves for who we are, flaws and all. This newfound self-acceptance boosts our self-worth, allowing us to radiate inner beauty that shines through our day. We can then focus on personal growth and improvement, not out of a need to conform to societal standards, but out of a genuine desire to become the best version of ourselves.

To truly appreciate beauty, we must look beyond the superficial and connect with the natural world. The breathtaking sunsets, majestic mountains, and serene landscapes not only helps us cultivate gratitude, but remind us of the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us everyday. Nature inspires us to find beauty in the simple things, such as a gentle breeze, a blooming flower, or the smile of a loved one, the smell of the rain.

Ultimately, true beauty is not about conforming to unrealistic standards or seeking validation from others. It's about embracing our individuality, cultivating self-love, and appreciating the beauty that exists within ourselves and the world around us. By breaking free from the relentless pursuit of perfection and embracing our authentic selves, we can experience a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfilment.

Therapy can be a powerful tool to guide you to break this cycle and support you to rediscover your authentic self.