Editors note: The Woman Up series is written by my wife Pam. Enjoy!
Most of us recognize beauty when we see it. God created a universe full of beauty for our eyes to behold – oceans, mountains, flowers, skies, human bodies. Some people were just blessed with fabulous figures. I see some of them and think, “Wow. That’s a work of art.” Unfortunately, sometimes the artwork becomes worthless when I hear what comes out of their mouth.
Sure, physical attraction usually starts off a relationship. There are definitely reasons to try and maintain our bodies which will be discussed in a future article. But, in order for our relationships to grow and thrive, what’s inside us has to come out.
Beauty is so much more than the physical. It really manifests itself more in who we are than what we look like. The book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge talks about the woman’s “beauty to unveil.” Everyone has something on the inside that’s beautiful.
Do you know what that is inside you?
Another way to think about the beauty to unveil is to look at what makes you come alive. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are you passionate about?
- What do you love to do?
- What cause are you (or do you want to be) an ambassador for?
- What gives you the most fulfillment and joy?
It doesn’t have to be anything complex. Don’t discount the little things that bring you fulfillment and joy. Too often we discount the things we enjoy because other people seem to be doing so much more and, in our eyes, are making a bigger impact in other’s lives. Joy will never be found if we keep comparing ourselves to the Jones’. It could be something as simple as using your love of painting or your gift of encouraging by writing notes to others. Maybe your passion is raising your children or building your career. When God given passions and talents are used, the inner beauty can’t help but come out.
The woman who has found that beauty to unveil carries herself differently. More often, there is a smile upon her face. Her outlook on life is more optimistic.
Those that are doing things they are passionate about are attractive - attractive because of the passion they pass on.
If you know what you are passionate about, are there things that get in the way of living your passions? Schedules, kids, career, spouse – you name it. There are ways to adjust. Life can get in the way of living your passion, but don’t let it be an excuse.
Unveiling that beauty won’t happen overnight. That’s OK. Take your time. But work to find your passion and unveil it. Make time for it.
Find the beauty in you. Be proud of it. Then share it. (Seriously, share it in the comments section. What are you passionate about? What are your dreams? Perhaps sharing yours will spark an unveiling for someone else.)
I totally agree with you Pam. Since I have been making an effort to search my heart and dig out my passions I feel myself being transformed. I have several passions all centering around nature, teaching, and creating. I quit my job that was not letting me develop those areas and am starting a new business that is totally lined up with my passions. Since I have been doing this, not only am I feeling more beautiful, but more in love with my hub and so much more spiritual. I think God really desires us to be in the “flow” of our passions and when we are, we draw closer to him because, after all, he placed those passions in our heart. Gotta love him!
It’s about time for a woman up posting. I felt I was wading knee deep in testosterone! Now I’m getting a little estrogen fix! :O)
This is a beautiful post and I really believe how we see ourselves has so much with how we see our partner and our relationship. I had a therapist once who said if you find your hubby and life boring then effectively you are bored with yourself and that’s what you have to work on.
This also makes me see how I don’t feel particularly passionate about anything right now. I am well and truly in the BLAH zone and that’s not a good thing. No wonder I can’t seem to make any concrete decisions or steps forward in my life.
Kelly
Laurie, just reading your post is contagious. I want a tall glass of what you are drinking!
“The woman who has found that beauty to unveil carries herself differently. More often, there is a smile upon her face. Her outlook on life is more optimistic.
Those that are doing things they are passionate about are attractive – attractive because of the passion they pass on.”
Beautiful and very true.
Thanks for this posting! It is a timely posting for my life.
My husband and I are going through a bitter custody dispute with his ex and it has consumed our lives. We both lost focus on our marriage, our goals in life, and each other…needless to say, we are in the process of changing that.
By recognizing the things we want in life (and now acting on them) we are doing much better.
We both share a passion to start our own photography business and have an urban farm in our backyard. We are in the process of researching chicken coop designs and planning our gardens. This has really brought the focus back to why we were first attracted to each other – our shared love for being close to nature and trying to be self-sustaining while maintaining our place in society!
I like myself more and more each day as we make our goals one and the same – I do, and I think my husband is noticing a difference already!
@Pam- I do feel good. I give the credit to your hub Corey. He changed my life and I will never be the same. He is an AWESOME counselor. If you go back and look at some of my first comments to his blog right after he got started, you wouldn’t know it was me. I used a different name then too cause I was such a downer. Now? Life is gradno-fabu-aweso-lishous!!!