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If you know me, you know that middle-child syndrome is the culprit for many of my psychological ailments, even to this day (don’t worry, I’m making progress). But as I mature and meet more amazing people in NY, I find that everyone has internal battles. What I’m learning is that those of us who are minorities in our fight for societal acceptance tend to find approval in least expected places. A very beautiful (and amazing, talented and intelligent) friend of mine, Svetlanna, has a very interesting story in how she found acceptance in herself. And I had the honor of being able to share her story. She explains…
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“In my teenage years I didn’t think I was beautiful, I didn’t think I was pretty because I focused on the physical. I thought I was too skinny. I grew up in the Caribbean, where “thick” was preferred. Names like “magga” (a demeaning word for skinny) were thrown around, and some nights I cried myself to sleep because I wasn’t happy with my body. It hurt a lot because this was coming from people close to me. I found some solace in the fashion magazines because the models looked like me. The fashion industry has since received backlash for their promotion of stick thin and rightfully so (we don’t need young girls thinking that is the end all, be all standard of beauty), but for me it helped to create some acceptance of my body because I saw women whose bodies were similar to mine.
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Later in those teenage years, I discovered that true beauty had less to do with the physical and more to do with confidence. Instead of focusing on what I saw as my physical shortcomings, I focused on giving back and on developing my inner being. I drowned out the negative things people had to say about my body. I didn’t care what they had to say anymore. I also learned to dress for my particular body type, to dress in clothes that complimented my frame. I continue to dress for my particular body type and to maintain my physique. I was able to discover my sense of style, and bring a little personality to my attire. But beauty also comes from within. I’ve invested in myself to grow spiritually and professionally. I’ve come a long way since my teenage years, and I don’t want to focus on others opinions.. I just want to enjoy the life that was given to me.”
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Beauty isn’t just the physical, it’s also what’s inside. Beauty is your confidence. I believe that if you know your worth, know your value and have confidence in yourself then you bring that to everything you do. That gives you strength to encourage and support those around you. Somehow that confidence makes you shine inside out and that makes you beautiful.” -Svet
