I had a photo shoot this week to be on a cover of a magazine this fall for Happy Go Lucky Girl. Several people flew in from Des Moines, Iowa. There was a person for hair, makeup, and wardrobe, as well as a photographer, editor, and assistants. It was really fun. The group was very encouraging. Then, during the shoot the photographer said, “Say: I am beautiful.” I almost choked. I could not get the words out of my mouth. With encouragement, I tried again – a few times until she got what she was looking for.
The question is; Why was that request so hard? I know I have symmetrical features, but to actually feel like you are beautiful and mean it is something different. At that moment, it had nothing to do with me on the outside. It was more about – DO YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE PROJECTING TO THE WORLD? I swallowed hard. It was an on the spot decision I had to make with the camera on me.
The first try was weak. She asked me again, “Say it like you mean it.” I swallowed hard again, reaching deep inside to find a bedrock of confidence I had not sought before. I looked her in the eye and said with conviction, “I am beautiful.’
I originally thought it was not about my outward appearance, but maybe it was. I immediately knew that if I FELT beautiful, I was beautiful. It was as simple as that. A decision to be made. If my heart and my head could connect and I was doing my best to project my true self to the world, I could not only feel beautiful, I was beautiful.
I challenge you to look yourself in the eye, and find your courage to say it out loud like you mean it.
(Aspiring to be a) Joy Spreader
In one of the most famous Dove films, Real Beauty Sketches, explores the gap between how others perceive us and how we perceive ourselves. Click HERE to watch the video.
