The media has seriously put a mind trip on so many women, convincing them that sexiness is limited to a certain "look". That look has and continues to evolve over time. When I was younger, Cindy Crawford was considered "classic sexy". Then "extremely thin" became very sexy (a la Kate Moss). Now, hourglass curves are all the rage, and celebrities like Tyra Banks, J.Lo, Scarlett Johansson, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Nicki Minaj are all celebrated for being hot tamales and splashed all over the covers of top magazines. Everyday women follow these trends, pushing aside their unique sex appeal and trading it in for what society finds super sexy at the moment. I can honestly say that I have never seen as many butt and hip pad advertisements as I see these days. And let's not talk about women who are going out and getting breast implants and butt implants to look like their favorite celebrity! I must ask....why?

I understand the power of the media to affect how women see themselves, but I really encourage women today to take a stand and truly celebrate their bodies. Whether you are skinny, short, tall, petite and curvy, or tall and thick, you should embrace your unique sex appeal and not compare yourself to today's "hot tamale" standard. In my opinion, there is nothing sexier than a woman who takes care of herself, views her body as a temple with confidence, and celebrates every unique curve and angle. 

While this sort of self-confidence may sound easier than it is in reality, it isn't hard to have it. It just seems hard because society (via the media) convinces women that beauty is earned through what they purchase, and not how they think about themselves. However, it really all comes down to self-talk. For example, when you look in the mirror in the morning when you're getting ready for the day, are you frowning at your reflection, frustrated by how your clothes fit you? Or, do you find yourself idolizing celebrities on the cover of magazines, wishing that you looked just like them? Do you believe that your life would be a lot better if you had bigger breasts, a bigger/smaller butt, or a smaller waist? I can honestly tell you from personal experience that beauty is not something that you can buy. You either believe that you're beautiful, or you don't. Believing you are beautiful, and self-talking yourself into feeling and knowing that you're beautiful is key to building a better self-esteem about yourself and your looks. When your confidence in your looks goes up, you exude that confidence and attract a positive reaction from others in return. Get up in the morning, find clothes that highlight your assets, and feel comfortable knowing that you are truly unique - that no other woman in this world looks anything like you. You are a wonderful gift to this world for others to see and admire. Believe in your heart of hearts that no celebrity can hold a light to you.

Remember: Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and its your perception that matters first and foremost. 

-Written by: Cafe Belle's Barista