How do you perceive yourself? Do you consider yourself pretty or perhaps pretty ugly?
As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, suggesting that the definition of beauty can be quite subjective.
Nevertheless, it's undeniable that we live in a world where our standards of beauty are often shaped by the media. It's a challenge to compete with the flawless skin tones achieved through computerized Photoshop or the curvaceous body lines enhanced by silicone injections, isn't it?
Recently, I stumbled upon a poem on Facebook that encapsulates the duality of thoughts we often harbor about ourselves. It's a thought-provoking piece, and I thought it would be valuable to share it on my blog.
It highlights the stark contrast in the way we perceive ourselves when read in two different ways – first, straightforwardly, and then, reversed from bottom to top.
Pretty Ugly
I'm very ugly
So don't try to convince me that
I am a very beautiful person
Because at the end of the day
I hate myself in every single way
And I'm not going to lie to myself by saying
There is beauty inside of me that matters
So rest assured I will remind myself
That I am a worthless, terrible person
And nothing you say will make me believe
I still deserve love
Because no matter what
I am not good enough to be loved
And I am in no position to believe that
Beauty does exist within me
Because whenever I look in the mirror I always think
Am I as ugly as people say?
by Abdullah Shoaib
(Now read bottom u)
This poem serves as a poignant reminder of the internal struggles that many individuals grapple with in terms of self-esteem and self-worth.
It encourages us to reflect on the profound impact that societal beauty standards can have on our self-perception and underscores the significance of self-acceptance.
As someone in their mid-forties, I've become increasingly aware of the changes occurring in my body as it ages. While one might argue that being in one's forties isn't old at all—and I wholeheartedly acknowledge that fact—I can't help but notice that my body is no longer the same as it was in my twenties.
This is something I never paid much attention to before, but surprisingly, it's not all that bad. Aging is an inevitable process; it's neither something to lament nor to overly celebrate.
Instead, I view it as an opportunity for personal growth and learning. I've come to understand that it's far wiser to accept the natural course of aging rather than engaging in a futile struggle to control something over which we have little power.
I feel profoundly grateful that I've had the chance to learn about the intricate relationship between food, exercise, and overall health, and also how to truly live life to the fullest.
In retrospect, much credit goes to meditation for this transformation.
Discovering my true self has significantly boosted my self-esteem and confidence while helping me overcome feelings of inferiority. Our minds tend to fluctuate like a rollercoaster, depending on whether circumstances align with our expectations. Consequently, we often find ourselves enslaved by our own thoughts.
Meditation has provided me with a means to liberate myself from unnecessary and negative thought patterns, allowing me to discern what truly holds importance in my life.
Whether it pertains to one's physical appearance or past experiences that trigger unhappiness or a sense of inadequacy, I wholeheartedly recommend embracing meditation.
It has the potential to shift your perspective on life from reading the poem from top to bottom to reading it from bottom to top.
Always remember, true beauty extends far beyond the superficial, and the journey of self-love is one well worth embarking upon.