A reflection on beauty that emerged from a single Instagram story.
I came across a young woman’s story on Instagram the other day. Who she was doesn’t really matter. What matters is how she caught my attention and held it. I watched her talk on her stories for a few minutes. She wore no makeup, and her hair was undone and messy. Yet, she looked absolutely gorgeous.
This struck me because I often think of social media as a realm of “fakeness,” filled with curated and perfected images. But this young woman felt so real and beautiful in her natural state. It made me wonder, “What was it about her that made me want to listen?”
I realized it was her authenticity that shone so brightly. She was bursting with life, with passion in her eyes and an undeniable presence. To me, she embodied the power of being genuine. And given the choice between following someone in a “perfect” setting, with “perfect” makeup and hair, even if they offer valuable information, or seeing the pure realness of a person, I would choose the latter every time.
In today’s world, we desperately need more people sharing their true selves, honestly and passionately. It’s not easy; it can make you feel vulnerable, especially when we’re bombarded with only the best parts of someone’s life, the perfectly set angles of their face.
Witnessing this young woman’s story made me reflect on my own beliefs and behaviors. I thought about how often we hide behind filters and masks, showing only what we think others want to see. But authenticity has a unique power – it connects us on a deeper level. It allows us to see each other as we truly are, not as the polished versions we often present to the world.
So, I dare you to embrace your own authenticity. Show the world who you really are, with all your imperfections and raw beauty. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but there is incredible strength and inspiration in vulnerability. So the next time you come across those perfectly curated posts, pause for a moment and ask yourself, “Is this their true self?” Then, take a breath and remember that unique beauty that comes from being authentic and real.
Let’s celebrate our true selves and encourage others to do the same. By sharing our stories, our passions, and our truths, we create a more genuine and compassionate world. So, here’s to authenticity, to the beauty of being unapologetically ourselves, and to the connections we make when we dare to show our true faces.
With Love,
G.
