It is extremely rare that I feel beautiful. A couple days ago it happened. I was preparing for Passover eve’s service and something in the anticipation and the preparation, doing my hair, applying make-up, dressing up, wearing jewelry and high heels, everything together had made me feel momentarily beautiful.

You may think it’s vain. Maybe it is. But I believe that feeling beautiful is important. I envy those who feel beautiful more frequently. I aspire to do so myself.

Sometimes the beauty comes from within. An aura of love and happiness is flooding you and you feel beautiful. Sometimes beauty is obtained by external accessories. I don’t think it matters. What matters is that you FEEL beautiful.

Whether the looks I spy are looks of admiration or of mockery, so be it – as long as I feel beautiful.

I used to think that as a feminist women I should always emphasize my wits rather than my beauty, but I have discovered that man love to strut just as much. “Big-shot” male lawyers are wearing suits and ties and diamond cuffs to help them feel more confident (or more dominant, more successful) – why should us women be denied of that feeling of accessorized confident?

Confucius had once said:

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

For this week’s journaling prompt I want you to not only see your beauty, but also to write about it. Grab a pen and your journal and write: “Today I looked at the mirror and felt BEAUTIFUL, because…”

Writing your feelings helps you validate them, and I want you to validate your sense of personal beauty. What makes you feel pretty? Is it a new hair do? Is it exercising and eating sensibly? Is it a glow of happiness? Are you shining because you are loved? What is it? Write it down.

To sum up this journaling prompt I want to share a quote by Peter Nivio Zarlenga:

Beauty is being in harmony with what you are.

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What makes you feel beautiful? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.