One of the workshops that I did with my youth dealt with the subject of beauty. This is a topic that I am passionate about.
How do we perceive beauty today?
I recently one of my dear friends on CT learn this lesson.
As many CT people know not everyone is as they appear on their profiles. This young woman used pictures of another on her profile and was caught doing so. Many individuals got to know this kind and caring woman and became extremely upset with her when her ruse was brought to light. Yes, there is no justification for her actions but in my work it is something I understand.
Let's ask ourselves this question? Is it the person in the photos that we become friends with or those that we get to know on a personal level? When those individuals admit their mistakes and take accountibility for their error do we as REAL friends turn our backs on them or stand by their side and support them during this transition? I personally choose to take the high road and embrace those that are willing to take responsibility for their mistakes and want to make changes in their lives for the better. Life is too short to harbor anger and hatred. I have made the choice to treat others as I would like to be treated and if I make a mistake I would hope my real friends would be there to help me face the truth and get through that transition.
Who is pretty? There are many pretty individuals that we see rolling by on our CT scroll bar. BUT ask yourself this? What is the criteria many of us use to deem someone pretty?
The youth I work with often compare themselves to Hollywood idols. When I asked them to rate themselves on a scale from 0 to 10 many of them couldn't rate themselves higher then a 5. Why? I asked them. They would respond, "how could I consider myself good looking when its obvious that Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt (or other icons) are so much better looking then I am?"
With standards set so high it is no wonder the youth of today are overcome with issues of self-esteem and weight disorders.
I see the beauty in individuals. Beauty isn't an asthetic quality it is radiating from within. One can not expect others to see them as beautiful if they are not able to recognize that beauty in their own self.
My young CT friend is a courageous woman. Instead of burying her head in the sand and hiding, she has chose to create a new profile as her real self. Yes, she knows there will be fallout from her deceptive actions but she is willing to stand tall and take her lumps.
To me, that's beauty within. If anyone would like to meet this amazing young woman and support her during this transition of self please contact me and I will introduce you to her.
