Meet the Opera darling of Louisville, Annette
Definition of Beauty:
We all know the sayings: “Beauty is only skin deep”, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, “Beauty is all around us”. I can go on for several pages with all of the adages and sayings there are when it comes to what the hallmarks of beauty are. While they offer an idea of how one can perceive beauty, they only cover a small fraction of what beauty IS.
For years I had problems accepting who I am and what I look like. I’ve been a plus sized gal for as long as I can remember. Of course I received the taunts and ridicule of children in school, and still do to this day from people considered to be adults. Words can hurt and sting and sometimes even crush the spirit of even the strongest person. But, you know what, I smile and tell myself that I am made of stronger stuff than that and move on. The person who called me a lard-butt doesn’t know that I really do exercise and watch what I eat. The man who shouted from the street as I was walking that I am not a super model does not know that I have a genetic predisposition to carry extra weight.
So, I champion for the beauty that I see each and every day because I choose to see it. I seek it out. And believe me when I tell you that it is an easy search. Beauty, my friends, is within you.
Because
Every moment of every day,
All about you,
Unique
Truths are
Yours to embrace.
What do I mean by that anagram? It is really quite simple. I came to embrace the truths that are irrefutable to me. The truths that I believe are beautiful.
My definition of beauty goes farther than the outer frame. I look within the core.
Beauty comes from that core. Speak from the heart. Give and lend a hand to your fellow man through money or your time. Take time for your family. Treasure and honor the elderly. Hold the door open for strangers. Take the time to smile at people as you walk the sidewalk. Respect another person’s feelings. Be kind to animals big and small. Do what you can for nature conservation. Take time to take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to love.
These are all examples of what beauty lie within us. This is a small part of me, of my beauty. I believe these same principles and ideas are within you too.
Take a chance.
Beauty is all around us. It just takes on different forms.
Be open. Be receptive. Be accepting. Be confident. Be considerate.
Be beautiful.
