I want them to know the difference.

They’re all watching me. They see the actions. The reactions. These eight little eyes are constantly observing, constantly learning, constantly taking a message away. So when it comes to the message of outward appearances, I want them to see that they’re so much more than just what people see. I want them to understand the difference between beauty and pretty; strong and skinny; healthy lifestyle and dieting. You see, I want to be beautiful, strong, and healthy. I want to go deep and reject the shallow. I want them to, too. Beauty, strength, and health are the sum of a whole. They are the way you feel and conduct yourself. They have to do with the soul, with muscle tissue, with cells. They are unique to the individual.

I love that part. Did you hear that? Unique. There is no one size fits all cultural standard you can stamp on a beautiful, strong, healthy woman, which is so freeing. You were made to stand out, child. Worth more than rubies. A treasured possession. You don’t need to adhere to some unattainable, cookie cutter image. This speaks to my soul. There’s so much pressure in conforming, especially if you were made to stand out. And we were all made to stand out. Anytime I have chased what the world saw as it’s particular brand of pretty and skinny, I have been left feeling less. I have never been able to achieve that right, perfect look. There has always seemed there was something that needed tweaking.

Lay that down. Know your worth.

But when we lay that picture perfect image down, and we embrace our own strength, beauty, and health, we find a peace and satisfaction that can never be attained chasing someone else’s ideals. Lay that down, baby girl. It’s a race you can’t win. Instead love yourself. Let your own kind of beauty shine. Build your strength. Strength of your body and character. Find health. Healthy body and mind. And, please, know your worth. You are beautiful. You are strong. You are healthy. And that, child, is not dependent on the current trend or fleeting accepted look of the season. Your healthy, strong, beauty never goes out of style.