This morning, I was skulking around on the Interwebz, looking for new and lovely blogs to add to my readers. I have several now, but as my tastes change, as my interests change, as *I* change, the blogs I like change too.
Anyhoo, when I looked at the “suggested sites” that were listed on my reader, I noticed that there were several “bundles” available. A bundle is sort of a folder of blogs, grouped together by theme or category. Well, now, that is wonderful! So much easier for me!! There seems to be a bundle for every interest – news, sports, computers, gaming, writing – you name it. How cool is that?
Then I see a bundle called “Beauty”. Awesome!!
Only…no.
The blogs in this bundle included references to high-end clothing stores, expensive make-up brands, how to find the best shade lipstick, etc. So, that means that only by making the packaging “pretty” can one be considered beautiful, right?
I am not so enlightened that I eschew make-up or nice clothes. I like how mascara makes my eye-lashes look. And I would be delighted to find that one perfect shade of lipstick. Maybe it’s societal pressure; maybe I’m just crazy vain.
However.
I don’t consider the wrapping an indicator of beauty. To me, beauty goes beyond me and what label is on my clothing. It goes to helping clean up the environment. Or to helping other people. Or smiling at someone. Or lending a hand/ear/shoulder to a friend in need. Or even saying “Good morning” on Twitter everyday without getting a response.
Beauty is teaching others how to live a more peaceful life, or to eliminate clutter, or to walk through this life gently, or making people laugh, by pointing out life’s absurdity.
Maybe this is a function of my getting older. Or more cynical. I know that I bought into advertisers’ ideas for fashion and beauty back in the day. How can a young person NOT succumb to the constant mental and visual barrage?
I like my idea of beauty better. I like to see a smile. Or to see the silver lining in a bad situation.
My idea of beauty doesn’t match up with Google Reader bundles. And maybe not yours either.
When you think “beauty”, what comes to your mind?
(Also, if you have any recommendations for yummy blogs, please let me know.)
❤
MagAndMoo's Blog 
Erin
You are so wise that it blows my mind.
Thank you for this post. I need it most days…but I most definitely needed this today.
❤
magandmoo
Oh, thank you! I’m so glad you liked it! Stop by again. 🙂
Mo
I like your definition of beauty—”Beauty is teaching others how to live a more peaceful life, or to eliminate clutter, or to walk through this life gently, or making people laugh, by pointing out life’s absurdity.”
It’s such a cliche, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look pretty and dress well but none of that matters if you’re ugly on the inside.
magandmoo
I agree – wanting to look good is fine. I do it. And I’m not judging anyone for wanting to look good. Seriously – how do I find the perfect shade of lipstick? I have 4,395 tubes and none of them look good!
And maybe this post wouldn’t have been written if under “beauty” there had been one suggestion that was about something other than fashion/make-up/body weight.
Chibi Jeebs
Love, love, LOVE this post. Love it almost as much as I love you. I’mma email you a list of blogs you might like tomorrow. 🙂
xoxo
magandmoo
Awesome! I’ve gotten some good recommendations from your posts anyway, but more is better! I’m glad you liked this post.
magandmoo
*blush*
Thank you. 🙂
Debra
I completely understand what you mean about tastes changing over time. I only read one or two blogs that I was reading back when I discovered blogging, about seven years ago. Thankfully, we keep changing, right?
I don’t think wanting to look good is necessarily vain. Wanting to look good at all costs is probably vain. My idea of beauty is an inner thing. People who love life and love themselves, exude kindness and generosity… those people are amazingly beautiful. They seem to glow from within.
You are not vain but you are amazingly beautiful. xo