What does beauty mean? External beauty is defined by the social norms of the era. In Victorian times, the paler the complexion, the more beautiful you were considered. The use of lead-based face paint was common to achieve that pale, sickly look thought to be beautiful. A horrifying thought to us. Even in the early 1900’s, women would cover up and shade themselves from the sun. Having a tan meant you were a field laborer. During the late Middle Ages, a protruding stomach was coveted. The wealthy would weigh their guest when they arrived and when they left to ensure that there was a weight gain during their overnight stay. Overweight meant opulence and beauty. These examples demonstrate how external beauty is defined by ever changing societal rules while kindness never changes and always defines inner beauty.
By today’s standards, my friend Sue is beautiful. She rocks 70. Sue is one of those people who if you didn’t see her for twenty years, you would instantly know her on a crowded street because she looks the same. Her beauty is timeless. However, what really makes Sue so special is that she has an inward beauty. Her beauty is projected from the inside of her soul and that is why I love her. She truly is a shining star, as her sister said when she toasted Sue at her birthday party.
Sue was one of nine children. Luckily, her father was a butcher, so the family never was hungry, but there were times when Sue’s dresses were tattered and worn. She learned what it was like to be looked down upon and to be bullied at school just because her family did not have the money for new clothes. Today, Sue loves spreading kindness, she talks to everyone and never wants anyone to feel like she did those days so long ago. Her father always said, “He was rich in family and love instead of money.” Sue’s love for her family is the center of her life.
Sue was my first boss when I returned to full-time work after having my children. My children were two and five years of age at the time. It was not an easy decision for me to work full-time. I was always feeling guilty, guilty when I worked, guilty when I stayed home with a sick child, guilty to be me. Thank goodness, Sue was my boss. Her kids were about 12 years older than mine and Sue was so much wiser. She knew how to balance work and mothering. She loved her job and loved her children even more. She taught me to be present where I am and to be grateful. Sue, being a single mom, was grateful that she had a corporate job to feed her family. She lives every day in gratitude and always sees the best in someone. She has so much compassion and also strives for only “win-win” situations.
As I sat at her birthday party and heard how much everyone loves her, I was filled with gratitude for our friendship of thirty plus years. No matter how much time has elapsed between our visits, we are connected as if we were still friends in the 1980’s.
Sue exemplifies inner beauty. Her light shines from within. Her light is fueled by kindness, compassion, gratitude and love. Sue always shines on no matter what happens to her. Sue lives with kindness in her heart, so that is why she is this week’s recipient of the Caring Heart Award.
Further discussion:
- Where do you rate yourself on the inner beauty scale? Are you a “10” like my friend, Sue?
- When someone is unkind to you, do you return unkindness or kindness?
Do you know someone that deserves a Caring Heart Award? If so, please contact us.
Staying in Touch: Barbara Hirsh can be reached at info@LiveKinder.com and please sign-up for weekly kindness message at www.LiveKinder.com or follow LiveKinder on Facebook!
