What makes you beautiful? 💖😉
It's tempting to get caught up in the whirlwind of ads and movies that tell you beauty is found in stylish clothes and constantly striving for a flawless appearance, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
I think Chloe is an excellent example of this. From an outsider's perspective she has everything - pretty looks, designer clothes, tasteful jewelry, and pristine makeup, but all it takes is a few minutes to realize she has an ugly and selfish attitude that takes away from any beauty she might otherwise have.
Marinette on the other hand - although also filled with flaws - goes out of her way to be kind and generous to others, lighting up the world around her in a quiet and beautiful way (one that Adrien doesn't miss).
I think we can all feel a bit ugly sometimes, or at least, falling short of other people's standards, and I want to use this video to encourage you that no matter what lies you've been told, or how imperfect you may seem, you are a beautiful person who truly makes the world a brighter place. ✨
One of the biggest epiphany moments of my life was when I saw this random post (gotta love pinterest lol) about how you don't have to be pretty. That was basically all it said, but that hit me like a thunderclap and I nearly laughed out loud because it's so true.
There's almost an invisible rule that girls in particular have to be "pretty". Even from a young age one of the best compliments is "you look so pretty today" or "that's a pretty dress" and so on, which although well intentioned and I'm sure we all love hearing, it kinda sets you up to feel like you NEED to look "pretty" in order to be valued and show the best version of yourself.
I have a pretty decent self-esteem, and I'm the kind of person who values comfort and personal style over fashionable appearance, but I would still spend a lot of time in front of the mirror trying to get my hair to be just right and staring down that strange face trying to compare it to my personal standards of pretty. Some days I felt pretty good about it...other days I wanted to bury my face in despair.
But once I grabbed on to the fact that there's literally no law saying you HAVE to look good all the time, I could look at my messy hair and acne chin and say, "So what?" It literally doesn't matter.
Physical appearances change, pimples come, pimples go, but the you underneath is what's really important, and the sparkle in your eyes and the warmth of your smile is something no bad hair day could ever steal.
Don't get me wrong, there are still days when I get frustrated with how I look, or put extra thought into polishing my looks, but it's comforting to know that I'm still me no matter how I look, and the best people will appreciate you for it regardless of your appearance.
Actually that's how the Bible says God looks at us too: "...man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
God sees beneath all the mess, the flaws, and the makeup, and loves us for who we are no matter what others think. 💗 (Which reminds me of one of my favorite songs actually - you might want to check it out: • Tauren Wells - Known (... 😉✨)
The Bible also encourages us not to focus on our style, but on our character, and having a beautiful heart which God sees, knows, and loves.
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)
Hey this reminds me of another song I like and it pretty much sums everything up perfectly. It was actually one of the first videos I ever made - "Pretty's on the Inside" by Chloe Adams (hmm ironic) You can find it here: • Pretty’s on the Inside... 🎀💖😉✨
Anyway, all that to say - YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL. 💜❄✨ And I hope you remember that.
Love you!
Always a friend,
Christina 💕