Beauty

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Years ago, I splurged and had professional photos taken of myself. Some might call it selfish or frivolous, but I say... why not?

My children were all grown, and I was stepping into a brand-new chapter of life. I was approaching 50 and determined to embrace it with open arms. Instead of sinking into the so-called "middle-age doldrums," I went in the opposite direction. I put on beautiful clothes that I never would have worn while raising kids, had my hair and makeup done, and walked into that photo session with both feet firmly planted in the future.

Looking back at those photographs today, I don't just see a smiling woman. I see someone who was fighting battles no one else could fully see.

At the time, my son was overseas serving in the Global War on Terror, and every waking moment was filled with worry. I had recently divorced after 23 years of marriage and was struggling financially just to make ends meet. There were plenty of reasons to put that money toward something more practical.

But instead, I invested in myself.

And it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

I had several of the portraits printed, and one found a permanent home on my bedroom dresser. Every morning I saw a reminder that I was still here. Still standing. Still beautiful. Still capable. I wanted to train my mind to see not just my reflection, but a woman who could survive whatever life placed in her path.

Call me vain if you like, but I don't think there's anything vain about loving yourself.

There are seasons in life when the only person you can truly lean on is yourself. During those times, self-respect, self-compassion, and even self-admiration become powerful tools. They remind you that your worth isn't determined by your circumstances.

Today, when I look at this photograph, I smile, not because I see perfection, but because I see resilience. I see strength, kindness, gratitude, and hope shining through a difficult season. I see a woman who refused to let hardship steal her joy.

Life is a wild ride of highs and lows. Neither lasts forever. Hold on tightly during the difficult seasons, and soak up every joyful moment while it's here. The storms eventually pass, and so do the calm waters, making each season worth appreciating.

I've learned that true beauty isn't found in flawless skin or perfect features. It comes from courage. From perseverance. From choosing gratitude even when life feels uncertain. It comes from continuing to smile after you've had every reason not to.

So yes... I look at this photo and think, "Yup... I'm a beauty."

Not because of how I looked that day, but because of everything it took to become the woman in the picture.

"She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails." — Elizabeth Edwards