I recently asked our clients to pretend they were given a commercial slot during the Superbowl to explain/express to the world what they believe true beauty is. I was particularly moved by one client’s response.
We live in a society
Blessed with wealth and technology
But what we’ve given up
Is far greater than our phones and devices
Where along the way did we go blind
When did we stop the revolution
And turn to persecution?
When did we give up our love for inspiration?
And allow ourselves to be ruled by degradation.
Where are our writers who spoke the truth?
Why are we not protecting the youth?
Show me a person who is not affected?
Giving up their joy for the criticisms collected.
Where are the mothers telling their daughters, “You’re courageous?”
They’re tearing them down and demanding “You need braces.”
Why do we have so many luxuries but cannot relax
The stresses of acceptance is inducing heart attacks.
Take me away, show me the survivors.
Let me listen to the warriors, and let love in.
The “beauty” of this day comes at a steep price.
I’d rather be judged than give up what’s inside.
The passion, the burning, the knowledge, and yearning
The warm hugs from the ones you love
The stars in the night that stay up above.
The smiles through the tears
The stories cultivated over years.
The ones who suffered and are alive.
The person with depression who learns how to thrive
From immaculate heights that birds can fly
To a child’s comfort from a lullaby.
The ones with minds that continue to explore
And the people in your life you come to adore.
Why have we given up our esteem?
Don’t you wish you could say…
“I love my body in every way”
I love my mind that wanders
I love these arms that can comfort
Oh baby! How far I’ve come on my feet
Shouldn’t we walk high on the streets?
What has entrapped this nation?
The destruction of human creation
Honey, stop worrying over that photoshop job
Perfection isn’t the greener grass
Tell me about your story
Share with me your truth
Have you loved yourself lately?
I think we should make time for you.
Adorn yourself with kindness
Zip up that quick wit
Throw on some compassion
See who you are?
Don’t you just love it?!
Throw all that self-hate into the fire
Come back as the phoenix who burns with desire
Beauty cannot be bought at a price
No matter what anyone says
It just don’t dice
In the end when our charms fade
And what’s left is the soul
Will you love yourself then?
When you have no control.
Beauty is as I’ve said before
It’s a kiss on the check
Or a hug at the door
Beauty is everywhere
It comes in and out the door
There’s the most beauty in you
If you choose to believe and explore
Beauty truly lies within yourself
It’s inside who you are
It can’t be bought on a shelf
And if you ever think I don’t know how it goes
Look to your grandmother
And you’ll see how life truly flows.