Escaping society's definition of 'beautiful'

We refer to society as a separate body, like it was formed out of something unknown to us, a foundation made from air and dust yet stands so boldly... chanting together, stereotyping and attaching negative connotations to anything that breathes.

We are 'society'.

We create these stereotypes, insecurities, and hate.

We are the same society that can create love, unity and hope...

When I was younger the only person I would need to tell me that I was beautiful enough was my mum. Nobody else's opinion mattered, no one else could validate the words that came from her mouth that created my truth. I was taught that beautiful did not solely consist of my exterior, it came from the inside of my head, and entity of my heart.

I was not fixated on how I appeared, but who I appeared to be. Am I an integral young girl? Can I do something for someone else to make them feel beautiful too? 

 The past couple of years however have been memorable for reasons I shouldn't have justified in all honesty. I have not been integral to myself or the woman that my mother told me I am, to the truth many girls abandon based on new opinions, trends, boys or friends. I made my mistake in listening and embodying 'society'...the 'status quo'. Opinions of those who are not important to my word. I often cared despite my hard outer shell and strong mentality that was stemmed from society again. I became less happy, and small things became more problematic etc...

Growing up I would love taking pictures, love dressing up and making a true effort for myself without adhering to any rules that would conflict my true interests. 

Now I feel like I have a negative perception of what it is to be 'beautiful' based on its connotations that society has formed. I did not pick the beautiful that referred to an exterior image, society did. It's ironic how society would then decide what was beautiful is now perceived as ugly, when it suited them, and back to, 'oh actually you're beautiful if you look like this and dress like this'.

I picked my mother's 'beautiful' but I did not instill this in my mind, I did not remember to laugh, love and be integral. Or that it is okay to like all the things that I like. Or that similar to the preparation for exams, so must we practice and practice how to be a better version of ourselves each and every day!

I left the enthusiastic young girl that loved fashion, going out, dressing up to the pressures of society who told her she couldn't be who she was without the negative connotation of being 'beautiful and unintelligent', which society now believes is a very outdated view...how convenient!
 I became too indulged in the definition society formed of 'beautiful' which  concerned the exterior image, that was not intelligent, perceptive or mindful. So I focused on intelligence, and left behind the fun enthusiast.

 I wanted to be known for the fact that I have more than my face, that I have creative outlets and a brain. I am not just my exterior. We have more to us as young females. We have voices, we have minds and we have souls. It does not matter whether you are pleasing to a mans eye, or have spots, short or long hair, curvaceous or slim bodies, wear a lot or little make-up. If part of me likes dressing up and reading literature...why not?

So I go back to the days when my mum would tell me I am beautiful enough. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and that the only opinion that counts is our own, and who we choose.

In finishing here, I believe that you are beautiful. You are part of  'society' and society may tell you that you should be like the rest but this is impossible. We are unique, we are not limited to opinions of whether we are good looking enough or not beautiful. So make your beautiful mark an infectious habit. We cannot conquer all stigmas, but we can all aspire to be BEAUTIFUL  women.

Yours, Mosope