The value in beauty

Picture courtesy of Stefania Turchetto

While browsing through the internet and my Instagram, I came across a series of pictures featuring ladies whose face was covered with make-up, dressed in luxurious goods, and even those scantily clad. I was embarrassed to say that for a moment there, their beauty based mainly upon materials captured my heart and I admired them. I wanted to be like them. I want to be rich. Oh you stupid girl.

However, as I thought further as to why I was feeling such, I realized that there was no logical nor good explanation for it all. I thought, what does these matter? In the end where we all die and either move on into other worlds or cease of exist, these riches that we hold so dear will not mean anything to us any more. These worldly materials where people admire and dream to own, is it really worth to make it a life goal to own it? And if you have already achieved that goal, so what? What else can we do it with but to show it off, tell the world about it, and boost our egos?

Then I thought, why not live simple? Simple clothings, simple food, and a simple house all of which serves a purpose to protect us from the environment. If these things are met, why reach further? Yes, luxurious things are nice and it's good to enjoy it when you can afford it but making it OUR life itself is simple too much. This is where greed takes over and we continue to strive and exploit the land for things we don't even need. And when I say need, it meant necessities like food, basic dressing to cover up the body, and shelter. We breed cows, crocodiles, snakes and even ostriches and then to murder them and turn their skins into handbags. Why make yourself be a consumer of such cruelty? The thought of such pride in holding a part of that cruelty made me shudder.. but who am I to judge? I can simply speak my words and hold it in my heart.

As for those pictures i saw featuring scantily clad ladies, they were HOT! I can honestly tell you that. As much as I want to be admired that way (as a girl), I refuse to submit to such pressures. My thoughts fought hard. It reminded me of how much dressing as such would turn me into an object in the eyes of men. An object where people could willingly come over, touch and test out whenever they desire. I am not saying that all women dressed scantily desires to be viewed in this manner but I'm saying it is probably not the best of ideas. Making ourselves look like an object, yes attracts attention but the wrong type. Then again, what is the point of all these kind of dressing styles? I can understand fashion but too little cloth does not make it fashion, it simple becomes a piece of small cloth.

Well, I know, i may sound like a hypocrite after what i said about wanting to be like them and then back firing with a bunch reasons not to. It's true that I feel that way, I am sure many feel that way due to the pressure and expectations society place on us. But it is through reasoning and our own values that only we can break through these pressures and be who we want to be and not what they want us to be like. So yes, I feel envious but along the same line, I am able to reflect on it and understand the values that I hold closer to my heart than things like make up, hot bodies and luxurious goods. So far in my life, I have always held my values and my family close to heart. These are the things that keeps us from going astray. So listen up future Michelle (if you're reading this), think. Think of all your values and reflect on it every time a decision needs to be made. I hope you will be able to find just this wee bit of courage to stick to what you truly hold close to and free yourself from all societal expectations. <3 br="" nbsp=""> Michelle