Image: Going Beyond The Surface

(via pinterest)

We live in a society that place a lot of value on image. We get a thrill off what things appear to be and disregard what things actually are. Everything is presented to us at surface level and we hardly ever go beyond that, especially when it comes to people. Attraction can come from one’s physical appearance but that’s just one layer of the experience.

What about how you view yourself? Do we ever stop to think about our own self-esteem and self-worth? In this photoshop and filtered world of staged social media friendly photos and lifestyles, it’s so easy to get caught up in the illusions. We start to compare ourselves. We start to compete with things and people that aren’t even what they truly are. We forget things are hardly ever what they appear to be when it comes to appearances.

The world puts beauty on this superficial platform of perfection, a platform that is impossible for anyone to reach. Yet, so many lose themselves trying to reach these ridiculous standards. Women are probably the most affected by these closed minded tiers of beauty.

There are a million things out here telling women how to get beautiful on the outside, which is already problematic on its own, but what about the inside?

Everyone was born with an inner beauty unlike anyone else on earth. In a world that prides itself on image, people tend to forget important things like character and humility. Are you happy with who you are? Do you help others in their time of need? Are you able to have a positive outlook on life, even when things aren’t going the way you expected them to go? Your mentality, level of emotional intelligence, and most importantly, the way you feel about yourself is way more important than how perfectly you can wing your eyeliner. How’s your personality? What does your soul look like?

Living a healthy happy life, inside out, should be everyone's goal.

So get acquainted with your inner self. The light always starts from within.

written by Chandra Meadows for POP ATL