What Makes Someone "BEAUTIFUL"?...

As part of my weekday routine, I sat down to watch Kathy Lee & Hoda this morning. Today's episode was a re-run from May. My favorite morning talk show hosts spent entire hour without wearing makeup. None. I found it quite awesome. I figured they would at least wear a little concealer to help with major problem ares, but they didn't. You could see every flaw on both of their faces. Most celebrities wouldn't dream of doing this. Women in the spotlight want you to believe they are flawless. That's not really fair. As "normal" women, we look in the mirror and start picking ourselves apart. The tiniest flaw gets magnified and all of the sudden we don't want to leave the house.

Today on Facebook, I asked my friends to define beauty. All of the comments and messages were basically the same.  In today's superficial society, if you aren't  "gorgeous" (by Hollywood standards) on the outside, you are automatically looked down upon. We get all wrapped up in our outward appearance. It's great to take care of yourself, but the inside should match the outside. You can be drop dead gorgeous on the outside, and because you don't have inner beauty, you'll come off as ugly. All of the makeup in the world won't hide inner ugliness.

So what is classified as inner beauty? I believe inner beauty consists of selflessness (giving to others- not just money, but giving your time for whatever reason), humbleness, being able to laugh at yourself, being able to love others, treating others how you want to be treated, and confidence. Confidence is key. You can be walking through the mall, and spot an average looking person who is getting a ton of attention. There's only one answer for why: confidence. When you are sure of yourself, others will look at you differently.

Here are a few ways to help boost your confidence...

1. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

This doesn't mean to look like a beauty queen 24/7, but keep yourself clean & groomed.

2. PUT A PEP IN YOUR STEP

Walking 25% faster will make you look & feel more important...according to statistics.

3. GOOD POSTURE

Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact. You'll make a positive impression, and you'll feel more empowered.

4. GIVE YOURSELF A PEP TALK

Write a motivational speech for yourself, and say it in the mirror whenever you need a boost.

5. GRATITUDE

When you focus too much on what you want, the mind creates reasons why you can't have it. This leads you to dwell on weakness. Set aside time each day to do a mental list of things you have to be grateful for...past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum.

6. COMPLIMENT OTHER PEOPLE

When we think negatively about ourselves, we tend to project that feeling onto others in forms of insults or gossip. Break the cycle.

7. SIT IN THE FRONT ROW

Most people tend to gravitate toward the back of classrooms and office situations, because they are afraid of being noticed. By deciding to sit in the front, you can get over this irrational fear.

8. SPEAK UP

By making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion, you'll become a better public speaker, more confident in your own thoughts, and recognized as a leader among your peers.

9. WORK OUT

Physical fitness has a huge effect on self-confidence. By working out, you'll improve your physical appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish something positive. Having the discipline to work out not only makes you feel better, it creates positive momentum that you can build on the rest of the day.

10. FOCUS ON CONTRIBUTION

Too often we get caught up in our own desires. We focus too much on ourselves, and not enough on other people. Making someone else feel better will in turn make you feel better.