This post is part of The Beauty of a Woman BlogFest VII.
What is the Beauty of a Woman?
by Lynn Kelley
What is the true beauty of a woman? Is it in the eyes of the beholder, or is it what a woman sees with her own eyes? Is it an inner something that is felt rather than seen?
Is the beauty of a woman being able to see and even feel the beauty in others, such as the sparkle in an elderly person’s eyes as they reminisce?
Is the beauty of a woman the joy she feels when listening to the laughter of a baby, the babble of a child discovering the gift of language, or the whispered lullaby of a grandmother cradling her great-grandchild?
Is the beauty of a woman the compassion and empathy she feels for the woman in a hospital room across the hall who cries out for help because she’s all alone in a strange place and her memory is not what it once was and the “call” button is a mystery to her?
Is the beauty of a woman the way she delights in the majesty of boundless clouds hovering above snowy mountain peaks, the way they’re set against a fresh blue sky, the way sun beams filter through the clouds, and how birds in flight enrapture her with their hypnotic grace?
Is the beauty of a woman the way she relishes the aroma of morning coffee or breathes in the fragrance of orange blossoms?
Is the beauty of a woman the strength she finds to continue pushing on when she’s ready to collapse and sleep through her grief, but others need her strength and her comforting words? Is it the sacrifices she makes to lessen the burden of others?
Is the beauty of a woman her gratitude for running water, a warm blanket, and a soft pillow on which to lay her head?
Or is the beauty of a woman an external glow when she shares her smile, reaching out to someone who seems lonely and forgotten, knowing they may reject her smile but realizing their troubles may run deeper than she could ever imagine?
Is the beauty of a woman her appreciation in receiving the smiles of others, knowing it’s taken some of them great courage to put on a happy face?
Is the beauty of a woman the knowledge that joy and sorrow go hand in hand and the way she takes comfort in knowing she’s not alone; that we are all connected in some way and are a part of each other’s journey?
Or . . . is the beauty of a woman her realization that each moment and each breath she takes is a gift and that the light will always outshine any shadows or darkness she must face?
To read more entries, and potentially win a fun prize, visit the fest page on August McLaughlin’s site between today and 11pm PST March 9th.
It’s an honor to be able to participate in this year’s BOAW blog fest. I was able to participate in the BOAW 2014 fest (My Morphing Body and Mind) and the BOAW 2016 fest (Dance of Life and Girls Just Want to Have Fun).
Thank you, August McLaughlin, for hosting this amazing event!
I hope you’re enjoying all the BOAW posts.
What are your thoughts? What do you consider to be a woman’s greatest beauty? Is it an inner beauty, outer beauty, or a little of both?
Thank you for stopping by.
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Photo credits: Lynn Kelley, Qimono, Geralt – Pixabay
I like your post, Lynn…very nice! Here’s what I say about beauty:
When we get to Heaven, God won’t ask us how beautiful we were…no, He will ask us if we saw the beauty in others.
Not always an easy thing to do, but worth it when we succeed.
Thank you, Pambelina. You’re right, it’s not always easy to see the beauty in others, especially if we’re freaking out while dealing with problems in our own lives. When we’re able to see the beauty in others, it’s an amazing experience.
Wonderfully put – and beautifully written!
Aw, thank you, Jennette!
This is a beautiful post, Lynn! Women are beautiful in so many ways. I have a friend who is rather rough around the edges and even a little bossy, but I think she’s absolutely beautiful because of the way she loves her family. She may not be about to express how she feels about them verbally, but she DOES so many small things that add up. Her thoughtfulness and love overshadow her rough edges.
Thank you, Diana. Yes, your friend shows her love through her actions. Words aren’t the only way to tell people we care. “Her thoughtfulness and love overshadow her rough edges,” that’s beautiful!
I love how this festival itself has changed and deepened. I can recall a few years ago when I participated that my post and many others talked about body parts, and I think that’s important still, but I love that this year many posts center on inside beauty. Strength of character and confidence has been an overwhelming theme in the stories for 2018 and I just love it!
You’re right, Jess. I, too, love how so many posts in this year’s fest focus on inner beauty. Awesome!
Isn’t the most beautiful thing on a woman her soul? Sympathy, compassion, the ability to comfort, to laugh, to help and to shine. Shine with all the beautiful naturally shiny diamonds she’s got in her heart. That’s what it is to me. Thank you for a wonderful amazing blog post.
So beautifully said, Aurora. “Shine with all the beautiful naturally shiny diamonds she’s got in her heart.” I LOVE that!
Wow, Lynn!! Love this so much! I say “Yes, Yes, Yes” to all of these wonderful questions.
Thank you, Kass!
Yet another chills-inducing post! Thanks so much for this gorgeous contribution, Lynn! I cheered a big “YES!” to each one of those poignant questions.
Thank you, August, and thanks so much for hosting this amazing blog fest!
I find that the most beautiful thing to me is the kindness, care, and compassion women give to the world. It can be very forgiving of things others might see as visual imperfections.
I totally agree, Kitt. Yes!
This is such a soothing post. Poetical. I love it.
Beauty cannot be put in a cage of a definition. It is all this and so much more.
The realization is even more powerful.
<3
Thank you, Swati. “Beauty cannot be put in a cage of a definition.” Wow, that’s powerful!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Very subject to interpretation, including cultural expectations. Nice post, my friend! 🙂
Thanks, Yvette. You’re so right about the cultural expectations. Isn’t is something how different cultures have different perceptions of beauty?
You knocked this one out of the park, Lynn! And I agree that there is a poetic, lyrical quality to your post, beauty in itself. Lovely, it just lovely, Lynn.
Thank you KM! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. You made my day!
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Love your blog Lynn, many questions to ponder on! I am surrounded with beautiful women, my daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughter! Deep beauty inside, which they share with everyone! Their beauty is God given love! Thanks for your inspiring Blogs!
So beautifully put, Mom. I love that! Thank you for visiting and leaving such a lovely comment. XO
When our daily news is filled with so much disrespect and ugliness towards women, I cannot tell you how magnificent it is to become a part of this sisterhood August McLaughlin has created for all of us with #BOAW.
Everyone has contributed to this beautiful growing treasury. I loved all your points of beauty, Lynn – thank you.
Thank you, Maeve. “Everyone has contributed to this beautiful growing treasury” – I love that!
I think maybe it’s just that she IS….in every breath, and every moment.
One thing you didn’t mention, though, is a woman’s anger. I’m learning to embrace mine and turn it to useful purposes – but, too often, women are expected to be consistently sweet and gentle – and there is power in our justified furies.
You and this post are lovely, Lynn!
Yes, Shan, she IS! You’re right about justified anger, especially the anger we deal with in the grieving process. You are so strong and such an inspiration. Thank you!
“Lynnie”…You are truly amazing…Such a BEAUTIFUL “commentary” from an exquisite woman. I’ll be calling you after I finish reading some of my e-mails. Just a note in reference to your mom’s comment…she left out her sister-inlaw!!! xxxooo “Auntie ” Val
“Lynnie”…You are truly amazing…Such a BEAUTIFUL “discription”” from an EQUISITE” woman. I’ll be calling you after I finish reading some of my e-mails. Just a note in reference to your mom’s comment…she left out her sister-inlaw!!! xxxooo “Auntie ” Val
Aw, thank you, Auntie Val! You’re right that Mom left out her sister-in-law, and she also left out her sisters! Surrounded by so many beautiful women, for sure. You are beautiful inside and out, my lovely aunt. XO