Perfect? Puh-Leeease

Perfection; something we all strive for, but how many of us actually reach it? The word itself has many connotations. We all picture something different when we attempt to conjure up the perfect image or person. With so many different ideals out there, why does it seem like so many of us are looking for the same things?

In America, for example, when you ask the average person to describe a beautiful woman they'll give you a pretty typical list of features. Things like thin, larger breasts, a perky bum, long, blonde hair, tall, nice clothes, etc. Well, maybe this isn't the average Americans idea of beauty, it's probably the average American mans idea. That cookie cutter image of a woman is what we're all bombarded with on the television and movie screen from the time we are children.

Who set these standards? An even better question is how many women can actually fit into this mold? Not many, without a personal trainer and great plastic surgeon. I find this absolutely depressing. Many women like to pretend that they don't try and conform to this "perfect" standard, but they're lying to the world and themselves. If you can find one woman that hasn't dyed her hair, attempted to diet, or worn high heels, then I'll call myself the liar. We can try and blame men for the harsh standards placed on women in this society, but we have to blame ourselves as well.

We're harsh on our own bodies, and we nitpick at the women around us. We're constantly judging how thin or large those around us are; we're sneering at women in head to toe designer clothes, and laughing at women who can't afford them. What the hell is wrong with us?

How will we ever be able to move past old standards and expand the definition of beauty if we can't even walk down the street or out of our front door without being judgmental? They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Clearly the beholder found diversity beautiful since we're all different. You might say hold up, what about twins? Sure, they look alike, but they have distinct personalities that make them individuals. Why can't any of us seem to embrace our flaws and the quirks of those around us? I'm just as guilty of buying into the sickening cookie cutter idea of perfection.

We all need to expand the ideals associated with beauty.  I'm including myself in this. I'm sick of looking down on myself because I'm not tan, I'm not tall, my hips and thighs aren't skinny, my hair is a mousy shade of brown, I have misplaced dimples on my face, I have crooked teeth, I wear glasses, the list could go on and on. Who fucking cares? The things that I see as flaws within myself could be absolutely beautiful to someone else. What right do I have to deem my features imperfect? Perfection is completely subjective. Therefore my objective is to feel beautiful and make sure you feel beautiful too. We're all worthy of feeling adequate in a society that is constantly telling us we'll never be good enough. Trust me, you're better than good enough. You're the best you there will ever be. Embrace your individuality, and accept every inch of yourself.