AbstractTL;DR: The pursuit of external beauty consumed me for years, but I’ve come to realize that true beauty extends beyond appearances. Despite societal pressures, I’ve learned that kindness, love, and genuine connections hold far more significance. Embracing my imperfections and celebrating my uniqueness has allowed me to break free from comparisons and love myself fully. While I still have moments of doubt, personal growth and stepping out of my comfort zone are integral parts of embracing life’s beauty. Lasting fulfillment comes from nurturing our inner selves, cultivating meaningful relationships, and pursuing personal growth.

You might find yourself a little confused after reading the title of this post. Perhaps you’re thinking, “What do you mean there’s more to life than just looking good!? But your blog is called ‘Looking Joli Good,’ so isn’t that your main focus?”

In a world fixated on appearances, it’s hard to grasp that life extends far beyond looking good. I’ve personally experienced the weight of this societal pressure, constantly stressing myself out in the shallow pursuit of external beauty and striving for unattainable perfection.

In a world consumed by comparisons and beauty standards, it’s vital to grasp that true inner beauty shines brightest when we stop comparing ourselves to others. Embracing our unique qualities and recognizing our own worth allows us to fully appreciate and nurture the beauty within. It’s like a breath of fresh air, freeing ourselves from comparison and wholeheartedly embracing and loving who we are.

I used to be a part of a religious community that placed a lot of importance on outer appearance and beauty. I felt this constant pressure to always look and dress a certain way. I felt as if my worth was solely determined by my outer appearance. It has taken me forty years, but I’ve come to realize that true beauty goes way beyond what meets the eye. It’s about the kindness we show, the love we spread, and the genuine connections we form. It is about empathy, resilience, and gratitude. It’s about embracing our imperfections and celebrating the uniqueness that makes us who we are.

I must confess, there are occasions when I regress into my old way of thinking. Forty years of ingrained thoughts cannot be switched overnight. However, the important thing is not lingering on those thoughts. Personal growth is a big part of life’s beauty too! Stepping out of our comfort zones, embracing new experiences, and learning from both successes and failures.

While looking good can certainly boost confidence, true fulfillment and happiness stem from nurturing our inner selves, cultivating meaningful relationships, and pursuing personal growth. While external appearances offer fleeting enjoyment, inner peace and beauty bring lasting fulfillment.

Look beyond the surface, don’t be misled,
True beauty resides where kindness is spread.
In a world obsessed with looks, let’s be understood,
There’s more to life than just looking (joli) good.