Yesterday I wore a classic A-line black and white floral skirt with an aqua blue tank top and a black cardigan. Had the hair flipped out and sported round-toed sling backs. A 50’s/early 60’s vibe. As I walked through the office, sweet Ms. Donna said, “Girl, you look too cute today! Kind of a mix between Marilynn Monroe and Jackie O.”

Wow, two major fashion and beauty icons both channeled through me at once! I became intrigued by the dichotomy of the women’s polar energies. Jackie was class and grace, while Marilynn oozed raw sexual energy.

According to Donna, I too am classy and sexy. Her comments made me aware of how I carry myself and what energy I’m throwing out into the universe. Grace, style, class and sexiness are all ways of expressing myself in this world and a verbal acknowledgement of that was affirming.

Accepting my body and loving it for what it is, has been a top priority these days. I’ve been working on living a life of integrity. For me that means a healthy mind, body & spirit. Fast forward - to me in the dressing room at Target later that evening. I overheard the following:

Girl # 1, “I hate my body. I’m all booty and boobs. I’m so gross!” Girl #2, “You’re not gross. I’m gross! I look horrible in swim suits. At least you have boobs. I can’t even fill this thing up!” As I exited my dressing room, I caught a glimpse of girl #1 checking out said gross-booty in the 3-way mirror. Her body was kickin’! And she couldn’t have been more than 14 or 15 years old.

What is it about our culture and society that causes 14 year old girls (and often younger) to feel less than? What could we do to shift our perspective from lack of beauty to abundant inner radiance and self-love? Could we as women create a new model for young girls? As mothers, sisters and friends isn’t it our job to support self-love and self-acceptance? To nurture one another?

Each time we cut someone down (or ourselves), we contribute to lowering else’s energy and sense of self-worth. What if instead of dishing on someone, we dished out more compliments like the one Donna gave me? When you see someone shining, tell them. Extend yourself and let them know you see their inner beauty shining through.

My lesson - I missed an opportunity by not stopping and telling those two girls how beautiful they are. Don’t let a beautiful opportunity pass you by. Tell someone you see their radiance. Let them know they are beautiful “as is”. Lift them up. Don’t bring them down.

Who can you lift up today?

Peace and beautiful bodies in all shapes and sizes,
Kam