Social media has provided a view into the lives of people all over the world for those of us who choose to share. And in this act of sharing, I’ve seen the word beautiful used numerous times on several social pages – including my own.

I’ve seen a mix of encouragement and disapproval for the use of the descriptor. But, like most things, beauty is subjective. Meaning it is based on or influenced by an individual’s preferences or personal feelings. The word beautiful means pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically, or of a very high standard; excellent – well, that’s what the internet says.

When I was much younger I didn’t consider myself to be beautiful. I believed this was an adjective that could only be assigned by someone other than me. Furthermore, I didn’t match the images I was exposed to that seemed to be classified beautiful by what appeared to be the masses.

Over time I learned being labeled beautiful by someone other than me is not as impactful as identifying myself as such. Don’t get me wrong, I will not reject being told I’m beautiful by anyone. However, I realize it is bad practice to rely on someone else to make me feel good about myself.

It is wonderful to see so many people accepting themselves as they are and being themselves unapologetically in spite of negativity and ridicule. And it is for this reason that I believe we have embraced the true meaning of the word beautiful.

Being viewed as beautiful by everyone who lays eyes on me doesn’t enable me to fulfill the definition of the word – seeing and believing it for myself does.

I am learning to break free from the shackles of negative beliefs derived from a prejudice society. Dark skin, round hips, and thick lips is how God formed me – and these features are a part of what makes me beautiful, regardless of who doesn’t agree with me.

Until the next time, be you and most importantly – love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

– B.B.