Self-worth and notions of beauty!

It is difficult to please everyone. Especially, your mother, seniors at work, colleagues, friends, siblings! Teachers too. No matter how polite you've been to them during your college days- they'll scarcely recognize a bit and reciprocate your friendly smile when you visit college after you've graduated.

I was so dejected today morning. And, writing a blog seemed to work, until I wrote here. Rereading this and all those unwanted memories come flashing back to me.

I know I am not perfect. No one is! That should definitely not be the reason for my mother to tell me to opt for an eye surgery- Laser eye operation. Now, I've been wearing glasses for almost 13 years now. So, it naturally just feels like a part of my body. I can't imagine going back to a life without glasses. When I was growing up, I thought I was ugly. I still sometimes do. And the day I wore my glasses first to school, it felt great- felt different. Maybe, its weird for others to understand. One of my classmates from architecture school once nominated me on a social networking website for "someone who needs a fashion stylist!" I was a little disturbed after reading that but after realizing that everyone is entitled for an opinion & that I shouldn't care what others think, I let it go. These might be the inner demons that constantly reproach me for not being tall enough, smart enough, not having perfect white teeth enough- I actually have a small gap between my two front teeth, and while growing up it has always made me feel self-conscious and always restricted my urge to smile openly. Even to this day, when I meet beautiful, young girls my age who have the perfect straight hair and the perfect teeth and smile, my confidence suffers a setback. I remember feeling so awkward when I met my best friend with a beautiful girl and she stared at me.

But then, I started reading books on Gender Equality- books by feminists and strong women who are known for their work for humanity, their goodwill and kindness. I have since become confident and much more comfortable with my own self. I no longer feel the need to project myself different than who I am. My thoughts and my actions speak for me. I understand that being beautiful is not merely to possess fair skin or dark eyes or great hair! Its about your inner confidence and kindness and happy spirit that makes you a better human towards everyone else.

I wish for young girls to stop using unhealthy practices to look "perfect." I hope they stop defining perfection by referring to models on runway or skinny celebrities. We forget that by spending our energies in perfecting our bodies, we are losing the opportunity to nurture ourselves as better human beings. We must recognize beauty of a person by their grace and intellect, their kindness and qualities that make them successful. Your worth is not decided by your beauty but by your good being. Let us realize our true potential and cherish the gift of a happy life instead of wailing in sorrows over our physical imperfections. No matter what everyone else says about our physical features, always remember that all of us deserve to live a fulfilling life and the best way to live so is by knowing our true self!