Monday, August 3, 2009

What Makes You Feel Beautiful?

I am pretty sure only ladies are reading my blog. I am assuming that by the people who leave comments. IF by chance there is a guy reading this blog you probably don't want to continue reading this post.


Here are my questions: what makes you feel beautiful? Are there things you do (fix hair, new make-up, etc.)? Are is there a particular outfit that you rock that makes you feel attractive? Is it a an inner confidence?


I'm struggling with this right now. My hair has had paint in it for I swear the last 3 weeks. It is only a few specks and I've washed and washed and it won't come out! My nails are chipped, even after trying to do them last night. My legs are white and covered in bug bites. Side note: the sunless tanner I've been using hasn't made me look any darker. I can apply it every day for a week and the shade does not deepen. Most days this summer I've worn paint-covered clothing. I have some newer clothing but the majority of my closet is clothes that just don't fit right anymore (too big). But what do I do when I feel blah about my looks? Eat! BOO!


And yes I know that beauty comes from within. I've spread Caitlin's (Healthy Tipping Point) Operation Beautiful notes. I cognitively understand it, there are just times where I don't feel or look my personal best. I'm a pretty lady but I don't feel like that right now.
Advice please. I know I am not the only women who feels this way at times.

The EATS and Exercise
B: oatmeal, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup plain ff yogurt
S: 14 almonds, apple
L: Green Monster and 1/2 PB sandwich
S: Kashi Crunchy and 3 crackers and cheese
E: mile run and step-climber
S: dried apricot
D: scrambled eggs with a tomato and sprinkled with cheese, 2 whole wheat pancakes with grilled peach diced on top
d: TOO many pieces of chocolate

20 comments:

Meredith said...

You know, I was actually thinking very recently how I struggle w/ my self-confidence, and brainstorming on ways to improve it. I honestly think that working out and the high it gives you helps a LOT in terms of my self confidence. But I have days where I feel like I'm a mess. I think that probably every woman goes through this ... regardless.

Pam (Highway to Health) said...

I'm having that type of day too! It's definitely tough. I spent all day trying to find tips for creating better self confidence. Just try to remember you are a beautiful person (paint and all!). You will get through this!

A.Leo said...

Oh I have those days too! I've never really put much thought into what makes me feel beautiful. I think feeling feminine, like wearing dresses and actually putting time into wearing makeup (I normally don't) make me feel beautiful when I'm really not feeling my best. I think it's also an inner confidence, and sometimes I have it and sometimes I don't. Some days I have to tell myself a lot!

Christina said...

Certain outfits make me feel much more confident and beautiful. When I really put effort into my appearance and wear a outfit I know I look hot in, it's usually a huge confidence booster!

You should reward yourself with something new that'll make you feel great for all the work you've been doing :)

Courtney F said...

I have those days!! Especially recently, having to GAIN weight/body fat to try to get pregnant. Not something I look forward to, BUT I look to the end result and it makes things seem worth it. It doesn't completely solve it, but soothes it when my pants start to feel a bit snug.
You are doing great at being the best woman you can be. Just do that daily and things seem to work themselves out.

Angie Eats Peace said...

I feel my best when I have eaten healthy and worked out hard.
Sometimes certain ways I do my make up work, and certain outfits.
But, I definitely have those days when nothing I do works.

Kristin said...

I was feeling this way for a looong while, and while I do think a lot of it is just getting over it mentally, I do think some of it has to do with outside looks.

I was bored with my hair/clothes/everything...so what did I do? I chopped all my hair off! A completely new look for me, something I hadn't done since high school!

I immediately felt better, more pulled together, chic even!

I can't afford to buy new clothes now so I just try to be as creative with them as I can. My advice? Do something different! Get your eyebrows waxed (thats cheap!), het your nails done...whatever it is that makes you feel great! It can immediately change your mood to have one thing that you look at that you feel is FAB.

Sarah said...

One thing I do when I'm feeling like you are is pick out all the things I DO like/appreciate about my looks/body. I also remind myself that it's just a frame of mind, and it will pass (this is especially helpful to me when I'm PMS'ing!).
I usually end up with a better frame of mind after that.

healthymadison said...

Hey Meredith! Before I get to the beauty--I need to answer your question--yes, I love the magic bullet for my green monsters! I like it better than a blender because I think it blends everything up better and leaves no chunks of any spinach (which can be real gross). Also, it is not as loud as a blender. AND it only takes about 30 seconds to get everything all smooth. PLUS magic bullets are not expensive at all

Beauty--wow, this is a hard one because lately I am on the same boat as you. One thing that does make me feel beautiful is taking a shower, doing my hair, putting on a little extra makeup--going through the steps of "going out" puts a little skip in my step.Also, surrounding myself with loved ones always makes me feel good inside and out.

D10 said...

Somedays I just feel ugly or just off. However, the one thing that makes me feel beautiful is when I smile. I know it is simple, but true. When I am having one of those days I find things that make me smile or laugh and then I usually feel much better!

Ashley said...

Every women feels that way from time to time. I like to go the extra mile when I feel that way with by getting all dolled up. Next time you go out to dinner, get dressed extra special. If your legs are making you self concsious, wear some sleek black pants, throw on a sexy top (belt it if it's too big to sinch in the waist)and high heels, wear your hair up if it's bothering you, put on a pair of big earrings to frame your face and top with lots of eyeliner and mascara.

I see your pictures, you are a stunning women. You just need to take a little more time to pamper yourself- maybe get a massage, or a manicure and pedicure or buy an new outfit (that fits your new curves!) or buy some sexy lingerie- all those things always make me feel sexy and confident.

Therese said...

Every woman goes through a rut now and then. It sounds like a silly concept but you may be subconsiously beating yourself up over eating too many sweets in the evening. That frustration over lack of self control is manifesting itself in your self confidence and appearance.

My advice? Don't be so hard on yourself!! You have accomplished so much. You have a wonderful husband and a lot going for you. Try to cut out the sweets in the evening (maybe remove them from your house?) and I think you will feel a lot better.

Nate's Mama said...

Sexy underwear! I love putting on something lacy underneath my clothes. I feel so good about myself when I have something sexy on.

There are also certain outfits that I can wear that make me feel great about myself. I telecommute, so it's easy for me to sit around in sweats all day. I try to make myself wear something cute every few days so that I feel better about myself. And I imagine that my husband enjoys seeing me wear something cuter too.

Just taking the time to do my hair & make-up really helps too. :)

Kristin said...

Re: Cooper River Bridge Run...do it!

I've ran it the past three years and while it is really crowded (you have to fight your way through the crowds for the first two miles or so and partially up the bridge) it's so much fun!

The expo is great, the post race events are fun as well. The town is PACKED that weekend so it's always a festive environment.

Here is my recap of the 2009 race: http://kborunschas.blogspot.com/2009/04/2009-cooper-river-bridge-run-10k-race.html

Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) said...

I get those feelings too!

I think inner confidence, health, and beauty are most important, but sometimes I just feel...blah...on the outside and need to change things up.

Today for example, I just decided to wear a cute summer dress, for no particular reason at all. I'm wearing makeup, feeling feminine, and have no place to go...ha! Sometimes it feels good to just get all done up for no reason at all. :D

You're absolutely beautiful, inside and out...just remind yourself of that. And when we have those "down days", it's not an accurate image of who we truly are.

Oh, and last but not least, sometimes doing something for someone *else* does me a world of good. Even if it's helping an elderly woman grab something off a high shelf in the grocery store...seeing other people smile makes me smile which creates this "feel great" attitude. Sometimes its the little things that lift my mood the most. :D

peacelovenutrition said...

Hey babe- We all get down oncce in a while but life is too short to dwell on this! When I'm down I always try to think of the things I DO HAVE and that I'm grateful for. (even if they are superficial!) For instance, I have great eyes! So even when I've gained a few pounds I still have these eyes!

You have such a beautiful smile. Always think of that! It's easy to read about finding your inner beauty but harder to really live by that. But you have to! We only have 1 life to live and e better enjoy it : )

xo
Jocelyn

Tyler Lynne said...

I agree with the sexy underware up there! Regardless if anyone can see it, you know you have it on. I also believe getting a good sweat and wearing lip gloss are big mood enhancers. I may be a little obsessed with the gloss but it works every time for me!

Also, think of all the hard work you have been doing these last few weeks. You should be proud to have that paint in your hair because you are kicking ass and getting your house complete. What an accomplishment!

Keep your head up, you are doing AMAZING!

Susan in the Psych Ward said...

OK.... being your oldest reader (probably), I'm going to say something that sounds crazy! I feel most beautiful at the beach, sitting in my beach chair with my toes in the sand. No matter what size I am or how flabby I am, I feel at one with nature and beautiful. Also, after I get home from the beach and have that nice glow.... wearing shorts, t shirts and no make up.

I know this sounds odd.... and when I was younger I never would have given this answer, but as I've gotten older the happier I am, the more beautiful I feel.

Make sense?

visforveronica said...

I feel beautiful when I wear my hair down. I don't do it very often but when I do, I get a lot of compliments....plus I feel confident because I took the extra 10 minutes to do something just for me!

burpandslurp said...

I definitely have problems with accepting my own appearances. I think, though, that with a genuine happy smile on the face, anyone can be beautiful.