I've seen a few of my girl friends post a link to this video on Facebook today, but I didn't take the time to watch it until a male coworker of mine sent it in an email to everyone in our office. I figure if a man finds this interesting, maybe I should take a peek.

Then I was all tears. I think my coworkers think I'm crazy.



When I was in college, I actually did a case study on the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. The campaign was still relatively new and growing at the time, but to me, this piece is incredibly powerful and hits the nail right on its ugly head.

Our world today makes it so easy to find flaws in our everything – not just our physical appearance, but our voice, our personality, our interests and dreams, you name it.

If I were a participant in this experiment, I know my sketch would come out incredibly skewed. Sure, I like my eyes, but once you add the fact that they are so big and deep set, then throw in my flat and can't-decide-what-color-it-is hair, my pale and splotchy skin, my wide mouth, tiny teeth, dominant chin, etc..., it's not the most glamorous self-portrait.

I don't mean for this to turn in to a pity party. I want no, "oh my heck, you're totally beautiful and none of those terrible things you think about yourself are even remotely true!" texts or comments, got it?? Sure, I don't see myself in the most perfect light, but I don't think anyone else does either.

But just think – the second sketch in this experiment came from a description from a total stranger. Imagine if somebody who actually knew you – somebody who has met and interacted and spent an extended period of time with you – was describing you to the artist. What would they have to say? How much of your kindness or playfulness or sincerity or passion or brillance would come out in their physical description of you?

Now imagine if your Heavenly Father were describing you. He probably wouldn't have much to say about our physical appearance, but He would have some very good insight into our hearts and talents and strengths.  He knows that we aren't perfect, but He also knows that we are stronger and more beautiful than we realize. I am stronger and more beautiful than I realize.

And now I'm emotional again. Sorry coworkers.

None of these ideas are groundbreaking, and this is all much easier said than done. I think I just need to write it so I believe it more.

Most of the flaws I listed above, including the way I see myself in the mirror, however skewed, are not going to change any time soon. For me, I think it comes down to, rather than making a conscious effort not to focus on the physical, start focusing on your personal worth and value. Because what does not thinking about something do? Nothing. You have to replace it with something else. Like replacing negative self-critical thoughts with positivity in any form.

This has been floating around Pinterest for a while, and I love it.

You just never know what people are insecure about, and most people will never know the extent of your insecurities. But everyone has them, and all of our insecurities are very real and scary and personal.

Long story short, I really like that video. And now I get to start listening to my own advice.

Link to all the portraits and interviews found here: http://realbeautysketches.dove.us/