Ever wonder what makes some people stand out from the crowd? Could a positive outlook on life bring out their beauty and set them apart? Let’s explore this theory…
Beautiful is an adjective used to describe something that pleases the senses or the mind aesthetically. Thus, having or possessing beauty is a positive thing. There are many idioms related to beauty that people repeatedly say, including beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a thing of beauty is a joy forever, and beauty is more than skin deep. Beauty is often divided into two categories: inner or outer. Inner beauty generally refers to a mental state of wellbeing related to a positive self-image, whereas outer beauty relates to physical appearance. Inner beauty is generally considered more important as it relates to a person’s character.
Beloved actress Audrey Hepburn was often asked for beauty advice, as she outwardly exuded both grace and elegance. She gave away her secret, “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” In other words, we have control over our inner beauty, and it can shine outwardly for the world to see.
American author Ilene Beckerman, whose works were not published until she was 60 years of age, wrote on the pressures faced by women to look good. She shares, “When I was your age…I wish I’d known that I already had everything I needed within myself to be happy, instead of looking for happiness at the beauty counter.” People often fail to recognize the gifts they internally possess, such as a good heart, kind character, or optimistic outlook. Some may feel prompted to spend more time fixated on parts of the body subject to sagging, such as the face, neck, or stomach. But is face cream, a neck lift, or tummy tuck what makes people uniquely beautiful?
TV and magazines frequently bombard viewers with movies and ads featuring attractive actors or physically fit models. This may lead some individuals to make physical comparisons, and in the end, judge themselves harshly. In other instances, people may judge one another, mainly based on outward appearances. However, an old Scottish proverb warns, “Do not judge by appearances, for a rich heart may be under a poor coat.” While part of living a healthy lifestyle is seeking to look and feel good about oneself, focusing on physical attractiveness singly is superficial and can lead to disappointment.
Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts, known for her mega-smile and for being Time Magazine’s world’s most beautiful woman for a record fifth time in 2017, shared her formula for beauty wellness. The then 49-year-old attributed it to three things: happiness, humor, and healthy living. She may be onto something. Scientists have discovered that when people smile or laugh, endorphins are released by the brain that enhances mood. Those who feel happier are more relaxed and sleep better. Stress is known to cause changes to the proteins in the skin to reduce elasticity and promote wrinkle formation, whereas healthy living, which encompasses exercising and eating well, promotes youthfulness and increases longevity. Therefore, there is a science behind being beautiful.
Though beauty is visualized differently, there are traits commonly shared by people who are deemed beautiful. Mainly, they are happy in their own skin, have faith and purpose in life, possess self-confidence, radiate warmth, are passionate and ambitious, enjoy laughing and smiling, are optimistic, surround themselves with positive people, take good care of themselves, give to others, and embrace growing older. 86-year-old Actress Sophia Loren, as a legendary beauty, imparts wisdom to others, “There is a fountain of youth. It is in your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life, and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Thus, the power of optimistic thinking is likely a crucial building block of beauty and graceful aging.