What’s on the inside really
matters most, right? At least that’s what most of us are taught growing up.
However, in this vain and superficial society, looks do matter. Even to those who
aren’t vain or superficial. I’m not. But I know the truth. Some people are born
beautiful and some aren’t. It’s just the way life works. And you likely know
this too. And anytime you meet someone who’s been gifted in the looks,
personality, and intellectual department? Consider yourself extremely blessed.
You’ve officially spotted a rare species of human beings, complete with the
almost perfect combination of wonderful genes, quality personality, and humble
intelligence. Believe it or not, I’ve met these kinds of guys and sadly, a
number of them have either been spoken for already or assumed I was spoken for
and didn’t make a move #bummer. Anyways, while internals such as personality,
how you treat others, and respect are important, I believe appearance matters
as well. One of the first things people notice when they first see and meet you
is your appearance. What does your appearance say about you? That you don’t
value yourself or that you’re someone who takes time to be put together? I’m
not insisting you have to look like a supermodel off the cover of Vogue or a
debonair guy stepping off the cover of GQ but how you carry your weight,
attire, grooming, and approach to those things can make a difference in how
people see you, treat you, opportunities, and how you’re respected and
received. I’d like to imagine that people would never treat someone differently
because of the way they look, but this world can be tough, and the reality is
that most people are visual. Your aim should be to look your best and no one
should have to tell you to look your best. You should want to do that. Plus,
when you look good you feel good. While some people are born natural beauties,
others can enhance and build with what they’ve got. Use what you have and go
from there. I don’t spend a ton of money on beauty products or clothes, but I
find ways to enhance what God’s blessed me with. I definitely have things I’ve
been insecure about, like some of my crooked teeth, the size of my nose, and
areas on my body I’m still working on toning. How cool would it be if we could
take the fat from the stuff we eat and decide where we’d like to strategically
place it on our bodies? I can think of some places I know I’d enjoy placing
mine J I’m kidding…or
am I? Totally kidding. Really, I’m kidding. Believe me, I don’t always enjoy
drinking green smoothies for breakfast five days a week, counting calories, and
going to the gym on the weekends and especially not after long days at the
office, but I know how important it is for me to look and feel good about myself
and with how I present myself. Personality and having a quality inner self is
always important but so should taking care of your physical self too. Exercise
and get a nice fitness routine in place. Eat better and make healthier food
choices. Get more rest at night. Get a nice hairstyle. Have some nice outfits
you can switch up in and look your best. Consider reinventing yourself if
necessary. Looks do matter, no matter what anyone says. What do you want your
appearance to say about you? Come Out of
Your Shell: Earlier this year I set out to be intentional about improving
my inner self as well as my outer appearance. One fun thing I did after working
out more, changing my diet, and experimenting with my hair was to have some
professional photos taken. I reached out to different photographers in my area
and found one that fit my budget and vision, who was able to capture beautiful,
fun, and memorable photos I can hold on to. So, come out of your shell and
celebrate yourself! Do a professional photo shoot sometime. Not only will you
feel like a model (I speak from experience) but it can boost your confidence in
some incredible and unexpected ways.
I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...