♥ What makes beautiful?

Inspired by *gulp* Jessica Simpson and her new show 'The Price of Beauty', I thought I'd explore a little of the subject. My question: what makes beautiful?

Beauty is Physical: According to a few sites I explored, the physical is (obviously) prominent in what makes one beautiful. Symmetrical features, the look of fertility, strength and health are all at the top of the list when it comes to beauty. Oddly enough, this facet of beauty which is focused on more than any others, is the one that fades quickest. Why? Because, I believe, it teaches us to hold other qualities more fiercely.

Beauty is Morale: Living by a set standard and working to keep those principles in everyday life is a beauty that can stand alone. To know where certain boundaries lie, to keep within them and live a life that can have balance and conviction- that is the beginning of beauty.

Beauty is Kindness and Humility: Ever see a man or woman blessed beyond most with the gene of superior beauty only to find it swept away with the wind the moment they open their mouth and spill out a rude comment? Physical beauty won't mean a thing if your insides are rotten and spoiled. On the other hand, kindness makes one more appealing.

Beauty is Confidence: I cannot begin to list the friends I have who are not size 2 or 4 or 10 that are drop dead gorgeous because they love who they are and they love the skin they've been given. In the end, I look up to them more than any other, because I want to love myself the way they love themselves. They realize that they are one of a kind, there is no other like them, their beauty will never be copied. That sort of thinking is infectious, isn't it?

Beauty is Standing For Something: When a man or woman stands.for.something. It is attractive, beautiful, inspiring. "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." It shows confidence, intellect, conviction.

Beauty is In The Word Softly Spoken: Because, as we all know: a softly spoken word turns away wrath. Having the presence to know when to speak, how to speak and exactly what to say to the most distraught or angry soul is admirable. Eloquence is something people need more of. Strong words don't necessarily reflect a strong character, it simply reflects lack thereof.

Beauty is Optimism: When the clouds are looming with their hulk-like stature, threatening to rain on any and every parade and party and that ray of sunshine comes bursting through like the timely hero, the day is saved every time. Want to be beautiful? Choose to see the ray of sun in every storm.

Beauty Cannot Be Defined: Are you brunette? Blonde? Tall? Short? Slim? Curvy? Do you have green, gray, brown or blue eyes? Do you take pride in your profile or the height of your cheekbones? Would you never trade your stomach, your petite ears, your lips? You are you and there is none like you. This is beauty! How can one snowflake be compared to another? They are unique and exquisite unto themselves. And so are we. Are you just so happy with your singing voice? Do you cherish your talent for writing? Have people consistently commented on your domestic skillz? Can you memorize poems and quotes with little effort? Do your happy, healthy and brilliant children mirror the work you've put into them? Can more than one stranger or friend attest to your generosity and desire to bless? Have you lent a shoulder for tears, your laughter for joy in another's good fortune? This is beauty!

Beauty is YOU: Tell us what you think makes beautiful!

"You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel." -Pablo Casals ♥