Cultivating the Revered Qualities in a Woman

The Beauty Within, Acrylic, 9 X 12

Why is it that the utmost confidence we show is mistaken for self-importance or vanity? Why are the overachievers detested and read as arrogant or cocky? And why do the quiet see the loud as exaggerated and off-putting?

It's unfortunate that many ordinary people try to put these amazing women down. Perhaps its human nature that when we see people happy, we tend to compare ourselves to them.

Some may get bitter, gripe or perhaps feel defensive as to why their lives are the way it is compared to the better lives they see in others. Some may even go as low as finding dirt on someone just to bring them down. How about trying to compete with others, when in reality the other person is not even aware that she is a threat or a competition to others?

Can't we see that we are all beautiful and extraordinary in our own little way?

Our differences makes us all beautiful and unique. It just so happen that these wonderful confident and extraordinary women we get jealous of or admire so deeply have learned to embrace and own their entire package - with all the good and the bad.

Surely no one is perfect, but these women have learned to accept all their flaws and imperfections. They capitalize on their strengths and they do not show their weaknesses. And in times of challenges, they carry themselves well with grace and wisdom.

So in honor of all women out there in search of cultivating these revered qualities, read along and realize that they're all within your reach, if you just stop comparing yourself to others, and instead dig a little deeper for the following virtues and values.

Kindness, the inner beauty that is innate in us, if we only follow our hearts and put our egos on the side. It's the warm, caring words, selfless actions and positive intentions that we emit and share to everyone we get to encounter in this lifetime.

Loving, warmhearted, affectionate ways are good qualities that people will always remember. Loving is an extension of kindness, but not all kind people are affectionate. Some may find it difficult to verbally express themselves, but they show it through kind or concealed actions.

Joyfulness is when we bring our high vibrations out into all that we encounter. We are happy, bubbly, exuberant and contagious! We have a grateful heart and we see the beauty in all, and choose to believe in the goodness of people. We share our positive energies into the world, we lift people up, we speak of the good and we are always grateful - the world will feel it!

Strength is when we gather our energies and focus on building ourselves up amidst the chaos and challenges in life. It's when we practice resilience, to show that we are tough yet flexible and we are capable of anything we put our minds into. Yes, it also means we allow ourselves to cry, to shout or even punch our pillows. Surrendering our battles is not a sign of weakness, but acknowledging our emotions is truly a healthy part of our discerning if we must continue to fight the fight or release and surrender. As we release the negative and overwhelming emotions, we make room for new ones as we choose to stand up again and start anew.

Beauty is when we learn to embrace all that we are - our outer beauty and our inner beauty. When we stop comparing ourselves to others, stop envying and even imitating others, when we accept our very own flaws and imperfections, when we learn to cultivate our own uniqueness, and be proud of who we are, no matter what others think or what others see, we will feel beautiful.

Confidence is when we are self-assured. When we have a good self esteem and we know our worth. It's not arrogance or feeling superior, but the secure knowledge and belief of who we are, what we're made of, what we're capable of. No one can put us down. Validation from others are not necessary, for we know we are enough.

Wisdom is the intelligence and the insightfulness that may or may not always be welcomed by others. But for those who willingly seek out our wisdom, it teaches, leads and guides those who are willing to learn from our mistakes and follow our examples. It's the sense of judgment to know when things are out of order, and the discernment to choose the better path, or to avoid a chaotic life.

Faithfulness, the unwavering love, devotion and loyalty towards the ones you hold dear in your heart. It could be a significant other, a spouse, our children, friends, our Creator. When we make a decision to commit and dedicate our lives to what or who we believe in, regardless of what happens, no matter what, we stay steadfast.

Passion is the excitement and the dedication towards something important to us. When we are intentional as we work towards what brings us great joy, when we focus on our purpose, we automatically emit passion.

Honesty is when we are genuine, sincere and authentic. People will have to either take us and accept all that we are, or leave us if they can't. When we are searching for peace and harmony, whether within ourselves or on the external, we need to be authentic and learn to speak the truth, our truth. The truth may be hard on others or on ourselves, but is still better off said than hidden. The truth will hurt but it will lead to freedom, healing, and peace.

Elegance is the embodiment of grace. Though elegance can be easily tied with the rich and the luxurious, even the poor can show some grace and exquisite refinement in their own humble ways. When we carry ourselves with utmost grace no matter what the circumstances where in, it's not only admirable but truly inspiring.

Courageous is when we are daring enough to stand up for our values and what we believe in; when we are fearless as we advocate and speak up for those who have no voice; when we are bravely facing our own demons, our own battles and challenges in life, we empower ourselves, and we empower those that we help, those that look up to us.

When will we learn that we can be all that?

We all have an inner beauty that is awaiting to be unleashed, to be emitted and shared to the world. But we need to learn to accept ourselves for who we truly are; to unleash the innate gift that is within us, to cultivate the revered qualities that both men and women alike admire and respect.

Look no further, we all have it in us.