One thing I've been thinking about is how much time us woman put into our outer appearance. Hair care(which I've been neglecting), getting healthy looking skin, makeup to emphasize our features, having fun & being creative with getting our nails done, waxing, exfoliating, tanning, working out at the gym....the list goes on.
When you take care of your appearance it shows that you take care of yourself. It doesn't mean you are being superficial unless you emphasize your efforts ONLY in the physical. So what if you have the most luscious lips, if every word you speak is negative. So what if you have the most beautiful bambi eyes and the longest eye lashes, if you aren't able to see the goodness in life? I was inspired by Audrey Hepburn's classic quote:
"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows.
The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years."
I am definitely still working on a lot of these but here is my take:
For lovely eyes
♥ Smile with ur eyes(i call it Sm-eyes). You can tell a genuine smile from a insincere one easily. Smiling from the mouth is only half of it. The other half is in the eyes. Eyes are very powerful in communicating how you feel about someone. Why not make someone feel important and special this way. I think I've mastered this when Im having my photo taken but I have to remind myself to bring it into my daily life. When I do, its been life enhancing.
♥ See the good in you. Notice how you talk to yourself? Is it positive, kind, forgiving? Or is it negative, harsh, critical? Its ok to have things you're not happy with but accept that. Acknowledge that everyone, including yourself has a beautiful light to shine into the world. Sometimes it can get dim but focusing on your strengths is one of the most powerful things u can do for urself.
♥ Look for ppl's good qualities. Everyone has many! You could help someone see something they havent been able to see in themselves & it could make a world of difference to them. We all want to be acknowledged & seen.
♥ See the beauty in your life. There is beauty in all things, if only you choose to see them. It doesn't mean being in denial or ignoring an issue in ur life. It means fully embracing it
For beautiful lips:
♥ Watch what kind of words come out of your mouth. Easier said than done but just pay attention. What kind of energy do you want to put into this world? Words are powerful.
♥ Avoid gossip. I know this can be difficult but ask urself what you gain from it.
♥ Laugh more. It shows that you don't take life too seriously. I honestly don't find a lot of things funny - yes esp when I watch Ben Stiller movies =P lol but I realized that things don't have to be funny to cause laughter. It happens naturally when you're having fun. What can you do to add more fun into your life?
♥ I find ppl who genuinely smile so attractive. What is one of the top qualities ppl find attractive in the opposite sex? It's usually the smile that makes the heart skip a beat. We were having this discussion at dinner Sunday night.
♥ Drink more water
♥ Get those muscles moving and when you can, walk instead of drive. Reduce those emissions. I need to do this more. I hate Calgary's transit system & cold weather but those are just excuses =P
♥ Be kind to your body. Appreciate what it does for you & develop some compassion for it. Yes Im a shorty & I've worn heels all my life. It's not until very recently that I've slowly minimized my wear of them. I still do but not as often. Why the change of heart? I've realized how magnificent our bodies are...how it functions, heals and protects us. I start to feel bad when I am purposely harming and hurting it. Forgive me fashion for I have sinned lol*
♥ Walk with confidence. Walk knowing who you are and what your values are. When you shine you allow others to do the same.