It is the inside, not the outside that counts, right? That is what we hear but what we see around us is totally different.  Every day, we are inundated with images of so-called ”perfect” physical beauty and we feel pressured to measure up.  These two concepts of beauty seem to contradict one another.  If beauty is on the inside, then we should be putting our energy into cultivating ourselves to be the greatest possible versions of ourselves.  If beauty is on the outside, we need to head to the gym, the spa or the mall!

Even in a tough economy, the diet business is in terrific shape - unlike many of its customers.  But with research suggesting 95% of dieters regain the weight within 12 months, does the diet industry rely on our failure to make its profits? While we spend billions of dollars on diet food and products, our collective weight continues to increase.  The United States is now embroiled in what has been termed an “Obesity Epidemic”; as if getting fat were something contagious your kids could pick up at school and unwittingly bring home to the rest of the family!

Do you know how great you are?  Are you aware of the gifts you possess, of the difference you can make in the lives of others?  Do you embrace Who You Really Are – your strength, your love, your grace, your beauty and your brilliance?  Are you connected with that part of yourself, or are you hiding?

Many of us are familiar with the idea famously put forth by Louise Hay that we are all perfect, whole and complete.  We need to do nothing in order to be that way – we always automatically are. I do my best to remember this but there are times when it can be more challenging than others.