In Fine Form

Beauty truly lies in the eyes of the beholder. When we remember that we are all creations of God—divinely crafted, like a painting inseparable from its artist—we realize that each of us holds a spark of divinity. Within us is a light, a vessel of greatness, waiting to be shared. We can choose to be transparent, letting our inner colours shine and inspire those around us, or to hold our light close, preserving it until it fills us so completely that it naturally spills over to someone in need. Either path is valid; the essential thing is that we hold this awareness with reverence and respect.

Well-being and self-care are ways to honour the physical form through which our Spirit expresses itself. Striving to feel, think, and be our best is a way of giving thanks for the gift of simply being. When we see ourselves as special, it transforms how we perceive the world—enhancing our appreciation of animals, plants, other people, and even situations that come our way, whether they’re opportunities or challenges. Each experience, good or bad, holds something valuable if we’re willing to look for it.

But sometimes, we’re conditioned by history and ingrained beliefs to react on autopilot, responding to situations with “That’s just how it’s always been done.” This perspective can hold value, yet there’s also wisdom in asking, “Why do we do it this way?” With this inquiry, we open ourselves to understanding the deeper reasons behind our actions. Doing so allows us to honour tradition while also discerning when it’s time for change. By questioning and challenging our habits, we give ourselves room to grow, to find new pathways to self-discovery, and to embrace our personal evolution.

Recently, I saw my mother through the eyes of the past. She had bought herself a pair of pants and asked if I’d like them because they needed hemming to fit her length. Laughing, I replied, “Even if they fit me in length, they’d never fit my waist if they were originally for you.” But then I looked at her with fresh eyes and realized—she had lost 40 pounds! This achievement wasn’t simply about her physical transformation; it was about her journey, her persistence, and her decision to honour her well-being.

She hoped people would naturally notice her transformation and celebrate her progress. But true beauty, the kind that resonates, begins within and shines outward with a proud radiance. When someone’s appearance changes, it’s not always clear if it’s due to an illness or a health choice, which can lead to reserved or cautious reactions. On the other hand, when they embrace it with pride and excitement, they invite others into their celebration. It’s the reason we cheer at sports events or lose ourselves in a concert—because joy and accomplishment are contagious.

One reason our lessons aren’t immediately integrated could be because we are resistant to change on a deep, subconscious level. Our beliefs, behaviours, and perceptions are often rooted in past experiences, personal biases, and habits that feel safe, even if they aren’t beneficial. The brain also has to form new neural pathways for fresh understanding to take hold, which can take time. Emotional processing plays a role, too; sometimes, our hearts need longer to catch up to our minds, as difficult experiences require introspection and emotional growth before true acceptance. This process of unlearning and relearning is rarely linear—it involves moments of realization, setbacks, and gradual progress that contribute to genuine, lasting change.

Let’s commit to celebrating ourselves in a holistic way, while also honoring the unique gifts of others. Our lives, in every form, deserve to be acknowledged, uplifted, and cheered on. The journey to self-acceptance and growth isn’t always smooth, and sometimes, it’s marked by self-doubt and challenges. But each step forward is a testament to our resilience and the potential within us to create the lives we envision.

So, let’s take pride in each little victory, whether it’s a small change in perspective or a significant achievement. Let’s appreciate that beauty lies not only in reaching the end but in each part of the journey. Remember, every moment is a chance to show up as a truer version of ourselves, to shine our light, and to become a beacon for others. Embrace the process, trust in your potential, and know that the journey itself is what will create the most radiant, empowered, and beautiful version of you.