Beauty is all around us!

We all likely use the word beautiful, whether describing another person, nature, or a piece of clothing. But what does beauty mean?

A Google search for "beauty" pulls up the following definition: "a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight." The "pleases the aesthetic senses" aspect is what I believe to be at the core of this. Simply put, beauty is something that pleases the aesthetic senses. It seems simple enough. Of course, what pleases the senses will vary from person to person. We've all heard that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and as corny as it is, it rings true. I know; I'm laying it on with the cliches here.

I love to appreciate the beauty in the world all around me. This includes spending time in the mountains, eating meticulously prepared food, and feeling beautiful. Many of us grew up in an era where music and popular culture showcased that those unaware of their beauty became even more attractive because of it. These days, we've become a lot more critical of this sentiment. So what is wrong with feeling good about yourself? Nothing. We should all find beauty in ourselves and celebrate that. It's not always easy to feel good about yourselves, but it's a vital intention to set.

Makeup and other beauty products are fascinating to consider in terms of how they affect how we see beauty. They have often been criticized as a way of making people, women in particular, feel that they don't look good without them. I think we need a new perspective. These practices introduce a relaxing and therapeutic approach that is also really fun! Who doesn't love applying a face mask when they're winding down for the day? I enjoy doing my hair and makeup when I'm getting ready to go somewhere, but I also look in the mirror and smile when I have no products on. I know it's not always easy to find love and self-acceptance, but if we reframe makeup as a fun tool and outlet for creativity rather than something we need to appear better, we can work towards a more productive idea of what beauty and self-love mean. 

Beauty can be so many things, and that's what's, for lack of a better word, beautiful about it. It's extraordinary that what is considered beautiful differs for everyone. Someone might think a particular house, for example, is the most beautiful thing in the world, while another may think it's over the top. Someone may love the cornfield scene and find it peaceful, while another may find it dull and desolate. That's what's so cool about life and humanity. There's room for a variety of ways to perceive things. 

I mentioned already that I enjoy getting ready when doing my hair and makeup. Perfume is another enjoyable thing I've been getting into these days that I consider beautiful. I love finishing off my look with a fragrance that matches my outfit. The way fragrances are described, and the scents that perfume makers can create are something I find magical. While, of course, perfume isn't necessary to make us beautiful, I respect the art of it and enjoy getting to add a fun finishing touch. 

Certain things are more widely viewed as beautiful, and for a good reason. No, I'm not thinking about famous models or tropical destinations. We can and should find beauty in love, friendship, and human connection. Love also applies to self-love, which we briefly touched on before. When we practice self-love, we participate in activities we enjoy, spend time with people we enjoy, and feel good about ourselves. I love going to yoga classes. I love spending time with the people I'm closest to. I love expressing myself through writing. And yes, I love using face masks, doing my makeup, and finishing my routine with a spritz of perfume. All of these are things that I can find beauty in. Find what feels beautiful to you, and embrace it. 

Beauty can be found in many aspects of life, and we should celebrate that! Remember that beauty is not some manufactured image you see online. Beauty is in the sky, it's in the sea, it's in love, and it's in ourselves. Look for the things that please your aesthetic senses each day, whatever they may be. There's beauty around us, and we can appreciate life much more when we take it all in.