Bloggers And Tiaras, Mission #1: What Is “Mom Beauty”?

My mission today is to define what “Mom Beauty” means to me and what I find beautiful about myself…

To me, beauty, true beauty, comes from deep in the soul and radiates out from that human being like the rays of the sun. Size, shape, skin color, religion and sexual preference do not matter; it’s what’s inside that counts, just like your Mama told you. Beauty is kindness of soul, a sympathetic heart, unconditional love and pure, unadulterated selflessness. I have personally met a few people who fit this description and let me tell you, you cannot leave their orbit without feeling as if you have been in the presence of an angel.

Now do I think I am that kind of a person? Not by a long shot. But I want to be. I strive to be. One day I will be that kind of person. I am a work in progress. I keep learning new things every day, hopefully not repeating my past mistakes, and trying to give back and pay it forward like those who have helped me in the past.

Mom beauty is nearly undefinable. We grow our children inside our wombs, endure morning sickness, stretch marks, sore nipples, lack of sleep and forever changed bodies just to bring a new life into this world, all the while hoping and praying we don’t screw it all up and scar our kids for life. At least I do. I’m sure I can’t be alone in this feeling. We change a million diapers, wipe snotty noses, get spit up on, try to teach our children how to be good human beings, do the laundry, cook the dinners, clean the house and give up things we would love to have or even need to have in order to give our babies a good life. Moms kiss away the boo boos and scare away the monsters under the bed. We have hearts as big as the universe and no amount of “I hate you’s” or “You’re ruining my life’s” can ever make us stop loving our children unconditionally.

What is beautiful about me? Well that is all in the eye of the beholder. But occasionally, I think I ROCK. I am a Christian. I have been told I am funny and a good writer. I am a Cervical Cancer Survivor. I am a loving Mom, a good friend, a good wife and someone who is willing to help whomever she can whenever she can. I am grateful for what I have now, even if it is very little. I would gladly give up my life for my family’s survival.

I am beautiful. My heart is pure and my intentions are always good. I don’t have the latest wardrobe. I haven’t had a haircut in almost a year. I don’t get to take a shower regularly or blow dry my hair when I do. I rarely wear make up anymore or wear anything other than jeans {or sweats} and a t-shirt. and most of my chonies have shot elastic. But I am here, damn it. I am alive. And I can raise my daughter and instill good values, morals and manners in her.

I realized, the second I saw The Diva’s newborn face, that the best parts of my Husband and I were reborn in her. Now that’s beauty, my friends.