Relaying Beauty- Words Matter

Where do young teens get their concept of beauty?  We know they are bombarded with images in magazines, movies, YouTube, Facebook, etc. of what a pretty woman is SUPPOSED to look like.  Unfortunately, our young women are fed a monotype that is atypically skinny and has flawless skin, bouncy and shiny hair, perfectly tailored clothes, and exceptionally long legs.  There are beautiful women in our country that look like this.  However, the term "supermodel" comes from the fact that they are rare.  Let's face it.  They aren't called "ordinary models" for a reason.  It is our responsibility as adults to expose tweens and teens to the wide range of beauty amongst us.  It is our uniqueness that is our beauty.  Have posters and pictures around that emphasize a variety of beauty.  Make sure you have athletes, scientists, cheerleaders, journalists, and politicians in your portrayal of beauty.  Most importantly, however, is to watch how YOU speak about the beauty of yourself and others.  Next time you see a woman who don't find particularly attractive, stop yourself and find that woman's own unique beauty and share it with those around you.  Next time you look at yourself in the mirror, don't cringe and criticize how your hair looks.  Next time you see a young girl, give her a compliment about her own personal beauty rather than her clothes.  In the end, it is your words that will matter the most when relaying the ideal of beauty to the young people in your life.  Share your beauty with them and they will begin to see their own.