Five eye-catching designer bags – $400. Twenty-two pairs of outrageously hot shoes – $1,000. An amazingly stylish hairdo – $260. Countless garments bearing impressive names – $2,000. Tanning beds, body waxing, diet pills, facials – $500. The fabulous image of an “it” girl: invaluable.
Or is it really invaluable? If a young lady is not careful about her pursuit of physical beauty and a material image, she will pay for these things with something far more important than money – her unique heart.
It seems young women today are increasingly obsessed with creating an outward image of perfection. The goal? To saunter around exuding style and flair and commanding the envy of all who turn to look. Hollywood convinces us that this is the type of girl most valued by society. It’s no wonder we think we need to be like those tiny singers, actresses and heiresses. We’re taught to confuse our physical appearance with our value as a woman.
So you’re probably thinking, “I’m not hurting anyone by looking like a million bucks. What’s the big deal?” The truth is you are hurting someone: you! Pursuing outward perfection may seem harmless but it can be disastrous when it’s used to create your self-esteem. Your value as a person doesn’t stem from how en vogue you are – it’s produced from within your heart. If you choose to ignore this fact, your superficiality may lead you to compromise your values. There is no way to seek both vanity and inward beauty – you must pay for one with the other.
When you endeavor to create your beauty, you destroy the lovely characteristics that make you special. Intelligence is replaced with skills of flirtation. Instead of exuding compassion, you exude conceit. Rather than appearing approachable and kind, you come across as intimidating and pretentious. Topics of conversation no longer focus on the value of people’s hearts, but on the value of their cars and handbags. Instead of seeing a person standing next to you, you see an image and you wonder what designer’s name is on their tag. Once you start focusing on material items and lose sight of the person within, your heart can easily be lost.
If you find yourself having turned into this type of person, it doesn’t mean that you are rotten to your core. It does mean that you need to spend time developing the inner parts of your personality that make you exceptional. You don’t have to fabricate these things in yourself – they already exist. Just start focusing on them!
Share your compassion with those around you who are hurting. If you’re funny, make people laugh. Strive to be kind to everyone, regardless of his or her character. Exercise patience and humility. Discover in yourself what is true and authentic – your spirit will lead you. When you finally figure out what makes you the beautiful girl you are – not the pretty image you’re trying to be – be her and take joy in yourself!
Of course, you don’t have to go about town looking wretched to accomplish this new perspective. It’s okay to take care of yourself and look gorgeous. Just remember that your appearance comes second to your personality. Your appearance is beautiful because you are beautiful. You may find that you don’t feel as “cool” as before, or that people don’t take notice of you for the same reasons they used to. That’s okay, because people aren’t going to remember your designer bag or shoes for very long. For years, though, people will remember that you are a sweet and gracious person. They will think highly of you and you will think so much more of yourself. Once you’ve accomplished the ability to appreciate the beauty of your soul you’ll discover inner peace and genuine self-confidence – and that is truly something invaluable!
