4 Ways to Shine From the Inside Out

By Belinda Anderson

Have you ever met someone who isn’t especially attractive physically, yet there’s something innately beautiful about them? You can't put your finger on it, but their soul just seems to light up and radiate outward. Their internal qualities shine, and you find yourself in awe of them, naturally attracted to their presence.

If you feel beautiful on the inside - comfortable in your own skin - you ooze confidence. Overall, you feel happier, and this translates into your physical beauty. And yet we spend enormous amounts of money making ourselves beautiful on the outside and very little on improving our internal beauty. We believe that if the appearance on the outside is flawless, then everyone around us will believe that we are flawless on the inside, too.

Looking great on the outside is something we all want, but having realness about you, instead of picking up every flaw in the mirror, is a much healthier option. In fact, if we take care of the inside, the outside will take care of itself. There's nothing more beautiful than a person who exudes self-confidence and self-love. They glow with warmth and appreciate all they have and all they are, and this gratitude radiates from their soul.

How can you become that person who shines from the inside out?

1. Positive self-talk

A very powerful way to radiate beauty is to manage your self-talk. If you’re drowning in negativity, bitterness and self-pity, your outer beauty will soon catch on - and so will everyone else around you. Say positive affirmations every day until they sink in and resonate within every cell of your being. They may sound ridiculous initially, but keep saying them until you absolutely believe them to be true! For example, two affirmations Miranda Kerr loves to use are, "I am a vibrant being of love and light" and "I came here to be me." Maybe you can come up with some of your own that resonate with you. Say them, believe them, and then watch the shift and miracles that follow!

2. Self-forgiveness

If you don't deal with your past and your issues, then you give them permission to hang around and define you. This will eventually seep through for everyone else to see, regardless of how beautiful you are on the outside. When you learn to forgive yourself and others you free yourself from fear and anger. There is a lot of positive energy in the act of forgiveness and positive energy creates inner peace and true beauty.

3. Self-acceptance

Beautiful people don’t just happen. They have often struggled, made mistakes and came from a place of despair. However, they use these hardships to take themselves into a new light by creating and becoming the person they want to be. Self-acceptance teaches you to remove the doubt that reminds you of your mistakes, tells you you’re not beautiful enough, not skinny enough or not good enough. It also allows you to let go of trying to meet society’s impossible standards of perfection.

4. Self-love

Self-love is true appreciation for oneself, regardless of weaknesses. It doesn't just happen - you have to create it! Love and respect your body by nourishing it with nutritious food, and do regular physical activity (I recommend yoga, and Pilates). Meditate, learn to be present, and find a life coach. Set boundaries, know when to say no, and only allow others in your life that positively contribute to your personal growth. People who master self-love are mindful and know what they think, feel and want rather than allow others to decide for them.

There will always be someone better looking, thinner, richer and smarter than you - so stop comparing yourself to others and embrace who you are and what you have, flaws and all!

It's not wrinkles and grey hair that makes us unattractive, it's our thoughts and attitude that create ugliness. If your inner and outer are not operating in harmony and with mutual respect for one another, your outer beauty will appear transparent, and fake. And that is not true beauty!

So now let me ask you this: When you look inward and be honest with yourself, what do you see? Your answer will tell you how beautiful you truly are.