Introduction:
Authenticity is a quality that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s world, particularly in the realm of beauty and appearance.
Everywhere we look, we are bombarded with images of people who are trying to conform to societal expectations or project an image that is not their true selves.
But then, there are those, like Erin, who choose to be themselves, even when the winds of conformity seem overwhelming. They are the inspirations, the beautiful, & the beacons of hope for those who are struggling to find their voice.
Let’s talk about Authenticity shall we?
- Introduction
- Pressure to Conform
- The Dangers of Not Being Authentic
- The Challenges of Being Yourself
- The Power of Authenticity
- A Queen’s Beauty Radiates From Within
- Conclusion.
The Pressure to Conform
The pressure to conform to societal expectations can be especially strong in the realm of beauty and appearance. From a young age, people are bombarded with messages about what is considered attractive and desirable, often based on narrow and unrealistic beauty standards.
This pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, as people may feel like they don’t measure up to these standards.
The negative impact of this pressure can be significant, contributing to issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
It is important to recognize that true beauty is non-conditional to external standards and can only be strengthened from within. Validations can be nice when they work in our favor, but these validations are mere images of a deeper truth.
The hardest thing to do is usually the best thing as well. And that is why it is best to focus on your intentions rather than how you will be perceived. This way you’re coming from a place of authenticity.
It is important to recognize these external pressures that are keeping you from celebrating your individuality and work towards shining your potential. This is far better than people-pleasing. You’re not a mold. The odds that your potential fits into an external expectations is very low. Stay true to yourself & respect others as they do the same.
The Dangers of Not Being Authentic
When you’re not being true to yourself, it can have a significant impact on your self-esteem and self-image.
Constantly trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what is beautiful, successful, or acceptable can be exhausting and damaging to one’s mental health.
It can create feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and even depression. On the other hand, when you embrace your true self and stay authentic to your values and beliefs, it can lead to a sense of empowerment and confidence.
Knowing who you are and what you stand for can give you a strong sense of self-worth and help you navigate the pressures of society with greater ease.
In short, being true to yourself is not only important for your mental health and well-being, but it can also contribute to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
The Shoot was just what I needed to Feel a Sense of Sexiness & Fierceness
Erin B.
The Challenges of Being Yourself
Being your authentic self can be challenging in a world that values conformity and image over substance.
The pressure to fit in and conform to societal norms can make it difficult to embrace your uniqueness and stand out from the crowd. Additionally, social media and other forms of online communication have created a culture where people feel pressured to project a certain image or persona to gain followers, likes, and recognition
Staying true to yourself requires a strong sense of self-awareness and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
It can be challenging to resist the pressure to conform, especially when it comes from family, friends, or colleagues. However, staying true to your values and beliefs is crucial for your mental and emotional well-being.
A. Cultivate Self-Awareness
Spend time reflecting on your values, beliefs, and priorities. Get in touch with your inner voice and listen to your intuition. The more you understand yourself, the easier it will be to stay true to your authentic self.
B. Surround Yourself with Supportive People:
Seek out people who support and encourage you to be yourself. Avoid people who criticize, judge, or try to change you. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help you stay true to your authentic self.
C. Be Confident In Your Uniqueness:
Embrace your quirks, flaws, and imperfections. These are what make you unique and special. Recognize that your differences are what set you apart and make you stand out from the crowd.
D. Practice Self-Care:
Take care of your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that make you feel happy, fulfilled, and energized. Surround yourself with positivity and make time for yourself.
Being your authentic self is not always easy, but it is essential for your mental and emotional well-being. By cultivating self-awareness, surrounding yourself with supportive people, embracing your uniqueness, and practicing self-care, you can stay true to yourself, even in the face of external pressures and expectations.
The Power of Authenticity
When you are true to yourself you’ll feel Happier, Healthier, & Sexier.
Being authentic in your beauty and appearance is crucial because it allows you to express yourself without having to conform to other people’s opinions, living up to images of success, or becoming burned out by things you do not control.
1. Happier
When you are true to yourself, you are living your life authentically, which can lead to a sense of fulfillment and happiness. You are not constantly trying to meet other people’s expectations, but rather you are living in a way that feels true to who you are. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and increase feelings of happiness and contentment.
2. Healthier
Being true to yourself can also have a positive impact on your physical health. When you are living authentically, you are more likely to engage in activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled, such as exercising or eating healthy. You are also less likely to engage in negative behaviors, such as smoking or excessive drinking, that can harm your health.
3. Sexier
Being true to yourself can also make you feel sexier. When you are confident in who you are and what you stand for, you exude an aura of confidence that is attractive to others. You are more likely to feel comfortable in your own skin, which can make you more attractive and desirable to others.
Lessons From a Beauty Queen
I feel I try to always be as authentic as possible whenever I meet someone.
Erin B.
I am very much an open book. Even though I am rather private from a social media standpoint, I feel I try to always be as authentic as possible whenever I meet someone. I would say it’s easy to misunderstand people based on your own personal biases so if people have misunderstandings, I feel that falls more on them.
I would encourage people to reach out and get to know someone before making quick judgments. It’s easier to do but I think people would be surprised to learn they share a lot more in common with others if they took a minute to learn about them.
Conclusion
No matter what title or position you hold in life, there is no greater title than the one of being true to yourself.
It’s easy to get caught up in the trappings of success and fame, to think that external validation or recognition is the ultimate goal.
However, at the end of the day, it’s important to remember that true happiness and fulfillment come from within. No amount of accolades, awards, or titles can replace the sense of purpose and authenticity that comes from being true to yourself.
Erin is a prime example of this. Despite her being a national beauty queen, she remained true to herself and didn’t let the external pressures of the industry or society, change who she was at her core. This is ultimately what made her stand out and what made her a role model for others. In short, being true to oneself is a timeless and universal value that transcends any title or position in life.
Go shine your light ladies, & remember, Shoot to BU, not an image of someone else.
