Do you feel beautiful? I think all women want to feel this way and spend a lot of time, energy, and money chasing this feeling. In this post, I’m just sharing some of my thoughts on the way I tune into the “I am beautiful” feeling!
Many women who say they want to look different, really only want to feel beautiful and love themselves. I’m here to remind you that you never need to reach a certain goal, a certain weight, get rid of your whatever (wrinkles, cellulite, pimples) to feel beautiful. That feeling will always only come from within you.
But how to access this feeling? I’m not sure what will work for you, but here are some things that have made a difference for me and I hope something here will resonate with you as well.
Body Positivity Movement
For me, the way to feel good about my body was to get in touch with the body positivity movement. I found so much inspiration and strength there. I’m also learning about Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size which are part of the movement. I love the We’re Not Weighting instagram account and podcast, along with Alex Light’s Instagram account.
Mirror Work
I also started looking at myself in the mirror, in the eye, and saying nice things to myself. I’m my own best friend after all, right? About time I started acting like it!
See the Beauty in Others
See the beauty in other women who look like you in some way. Sometimes it’s a good stepping stone to loving how we look. Find bloggers who are the same age, size or shape as you are. It might be easier first to see the beauty in someone else who in some way looks like you.
Clothing
I DO think clothing can be important to our self-love and self-care! We need to dress ourselves in ways that make us happy. Stop holding on to the past and clean out the things that don’t work for you anymore. Never keep clothing for a body or a life style you no longer have. Who you are right this minute is worthy of clothing that fits, feels comfortable, and pleases you.
Do any of these ideas resonate with you at all? How do you personally tune into the “I am beautiful” feeling. I’d love to hear about it in comments!
Fun & Fashion,
Dawn Lucy
About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is ME talking to YOU, other middle-aged women who are over 40, but not over fashion. We still want to look beautiful and stylish. We still want to have fun with trends. And we don’t need anyone giving us rules, because we’re all different. This is a place for me to share my love of fashion with you, including style ideas, tips, trends, and inspiration. I know how liking the way we look can translate into confidence and energy. I know we have so much life left to live and so much adventure ahead of us. Let’s show the world you’re never too old to have fun and look fierce!
When I was a little girl I used to watch old movies from the golden age of Hollywood with my mom. I longed to look like Ginger Rogers or Lana Turner, however I was skinny and dark with ears that stuck out. Even though my mom would tell me I was beautiful I knew that I wasn’t. At some point in my life I told myself that if I couldn’t be beautiful then I was going to be interesting – fabulous even. Now I am 61 years old and I like myself better now than when I was young with good skin and a firm body. I exercise daily and I eat healthy (for the most part). Being in good health and in good shape makes me feel great. I cannot afford pricey clothes so I shop at thrift, vintage and resale shops. I have a closet full of attractive clothes & shoes that make me feel beautiful. It is such an affirming experience when a younger person tells me that I look fabulous. Better yet, I have a husband who really does think that I am beautiful. Again, I know that I am not, but his love makes me feel beautiful.
Aww I love this so much, Briana! I like myself better than I did when I was younger too. And I know some women with a big shopping budget, but no real style. I love that you can find clothes that make you feel amazing at thrift and vintage stores. Good for the environment and the pocketbook! You rock!
Great post, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I think we all can learn something here. I agree 💯 that we need to dress for who we are and our bodies today and follow women who share our body type and age is inspiring as well!
xx
Suzanne
Now following “Were not Weighting Account”, thank you!
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading, Suzanne. Most of us on social media are pretty supportive, but I’ve found a few stinkers in the bunch.I think it’s important to follow people who are uplifters!!
It’s easy to remain bogged down in the cycle of I’ll do it when … I’ve lost 10 lbs, my skin clears up, I tone my thighs … and on and on. And, on. Often I wonder … if not now, when? It’s ridiculous to be struggling with confidence issues I had at 18, 28, 38, 48, etc. I’m 58 for chrissakes … when will I accept myself and stop allowing negative comparisons to dominate the way I live? Will I still be holding back, not taking the trips, not doing the whatever when I’m 68. I don’t know, but I do know it’s encouraging and comforting to hear how other woman feel (I’m not alone) and grapple with concerns about beauty and being enough. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas on self-acceptance … and that feeling beautiful (confident) can only come from within. xo
This is exactly right, Juliet. Let’s stop the if this/then that, and enjoy life to the fullest today! I frolicked on the beach recently with not a thought to my round tummy or cellulite legs and had a blast. You know what? No one cares, but us! And no one can give us permission accept ourselves too! Thanks so much for joining the conversation!
Thanks for this reminder. How do we go about finding a inspirational body like our own? I am a grown up woman over 60, 5’5”, with a small pear shaped body, I can’t seem to find a match. Any ideas?
You have great tips for making yourself feel beautiful. I am going to clean out my closet to start. This last year of virtual classes took so much put of me. I feel anything but beautiful. Thanks!
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10 Comments
When I was a little girl I used to watch old movies from the golden age of Hollywood with my mom. I longed to look like Ginger Rogers or Lana Turner, however I was skinny and dark with ears that stuck out. Even though my mom would tell me I was beautiful I knew that I wasn’t. At some point in my life I told myself that if I couldn’t be beautiful then I was going to be interesting – fabulous even. Now I am 61 years old and I like myself better now than when I was young with good skin and a firm body. I exercise daily and I eat healthy (for the most part). Being in good health and in good shape makes me feel great. I cannot afford pricey clothes so I shop at thrift, vintage and resale shops. I have a closet full of attractive clothes & shoes that make me feel beautiful. It is such an affirming experience when a younger person tells me that I look fabulous. Better yet, I have a husband who really does think that I am beautiful. Again, I know that I am not, but his love makes me feel beautiful.
Aww I love this so much, Briana! I like myself better than I did when I was younger too. And I know some women with a big shopping budget, but no real style. I love that you can find clothes that make you feel amazing at thrift and vintage stores. Good for the environment and the pocketbook! You rock!
Great post, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I think we all can learn something here. I agree 💯 that we need to dress for who we are and our bodies today and follow women who share our body type and age is inspiring as well!
xx
Suzanne
Now following “Were not Weighting Account”, thank you!
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading, Suzanne. Most of us on social media are pretty supportive, but I’ve found a few stinkers in the bunch.I think it’s important to follow people who are uplifters!!
It’s easy to remain bogged down in the cycle of I’ll do it when … I’ve lost 10 lbs, my skin clears up, I tone my thighs … and on and on. And, on. Often I wonder … if not now, when? It’s ridiculous to be struggling with confidence issues I had at 18, 28, 38, 48, etc. I’m 58 for chrissakes … when will I accept myself and stop allowing negative comparisons to dominate the way I live? Will I still be holding back, not taking the trips, not doing the whatever when I’m 68. I don’t know, but I do know it’s encouraging and comforting to hear how other woman feel (I’m not alone) and grapple with concerns about beauty and being enough. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas on self-acceptance … and that feeling beautiful (confident) can only come from within. xo
This is exactly right, Juliet. Let’s stop the if this/then that, and enjoy life to the fullest today! I frolicked on the beach recently with not a thought to my round tummy or cellulite legs and had a blast. You know what? No one cares, but us! And no one can give us permission accept ourselves too! Thanks so much for joining the conversation!
Thanks for this reminder. How do we go about finding a inspirational body like our own? I am a grown up woman over 60, 5’5”, with a small pear shaped body, I can’t seem to find a match. Any ideas?
Hi Eileen! I can’t think of anyone specifically, but of course you can always follow this pear shaped gal. 😘😉
You have great tips for making yourself feel beautiful. I am going to clean out my closet to start. This last year of virtual classes took so much put of me. I feel anything but beautiful. Thanks!
I think this last year took a lot out of all of us, Susan. If my tips help at all, I’m so so glad. Let’s support each other!!