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noun

noun: image · plural noun: images

1. a representation of the external form of a person or thing in art.
   synonyms: likeness · resemblance · depiction · portrayal · representation 

The instant I began to think about writing a post on image, my honest-to-goodness first thought was: "Oh, how cliche." I am sure you know what I mean when I say that. Articles, movies, books, Facebook statuses, tweets, Instagram posts and blogs all over the world touch on the subject of image and inner beauty. However, my next thought was this: every opinion is different in someway. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has struggles, and with the concept of image and natural beauty, everyone needs constant encouragement//a sweet reminder of what beauty really is and to be comfortable in your own skin, not someone else's.

Have you ever thought what life would be like if you didn't have your straightener or your buff foundation? What about your favorite lip gloss or that new style that EVERYONE is wearing? What lies would feed on your soul and how far will you go to get those things? 

Something I have been thinking about lately is: what does makeup mean to me? Is it a need or an accessory? Is it a stronghold or a freedom? Does it bring out my insecurity or my artistic side? I am not going to lie to you. I am going to give you the bare minimum, the "nude" foundation: I used to be an irritable, insecure, nervous girl from the get-go and especially when I ran out of makeup, or it wore down throughout the day. I would constantly take trips to the bathroom, and maybe even miss out on something much more valuable, just to "fix myself." I always carried every item of makeup I owned with me, which took up more space than it should have. I was always worrying, always watching my back, always checking in the dark screen of my phone {so it wouldn't be too obvious}, and it sucked the joy out of me. It took my life away. It made me try too hard. 

I have skin blemishes. I have pimples, scars, wrinkles, moderately oily skin. I am working the winter tan year round. I strive for society's perfection when really, I come nowhere close unless I am airbrushed and my physical makeup is dramatically altered by technology. 

I am thankful that throughout the years, that insecurity has been broken down, the walls burned and the foundation of such a life-sucking lie was rolled up out of the soil of my heart. To me now, makeup is an accessory. I do not "need" it anymore, but I do enjoy using it. I also enjoy the time less spent in the morning when I take it easy on the mascara or foundation, or go most of the day without an ounce on my skin. I have noticed that the lighter and less I go on makeup anytime, the healthier my skin looks and the more radiant I am. My boyfriend has told me that my facial expressions look much more defined without the chemically produced stuff caked onto my face. He chooses REAL. 

I haven't been shopping in about 6 months. I haven't had good income since May. No shopping money. No regular coffee money. Barely makeup money. You could say that I have learned a lesson that is most valuable to womankind, in one of the hardest ways. It has really stunk not being able to take a good shopping trip. But that has allowed my creative side to come out and make up these new, eclectic styles of the things that I do own. Talk about thrifty and looking good!

I think it is safe to say that as girls and women, we LOVE to dress up. We love to get our nails done, our hair done, and to keep good health. Those are all normal things and they are so fun! But, there can be too much of a good thing. It can get excessive to where that is all you do. And 99.9% of the time, the root of the excessiveness is insecurity with your physical appearance. Following that, your relational life starts to plunder with your friends. You look for attention from guys where it is not due. You try so hard to be someone you will never be. You just might drown in the fight. Trust me, I used to be that girl, too. Always trying to be someone else. Buried in selfishness. Trying to find the light to get out. The thoughts that ran through my head a million times daily were: "Do they like me? Do they like me? Do they like me? No? Well. I'll try harder. I will take the next step. I will do what it takes."

It is brutal what the lies and the expectations use to torture our souls. Our beautiful hearts. 

In the past year, recognition of my value and my natural beauty has been manifested into my life in such a way that you could only know by experiencing yourself. I have had friends, mentors, books, articles, Bible verses and the love of my life encourage me and build me up in ways I never knew possible. I have let go of all of those which have not built me up, and my vision has become unshaken on the light and the abundant life that is before me. In the past year, my true, natural, real identity has become truth. I have been cleansed in purity and the love of Jesus. I have transitioned from stronghold to freedom. 

If you are reading this, STOP, just for a moment. Take a breath. Now, keep reading.

Go look in the mirror.  

I hope what you see is beautiful. 

I hope what you see is joy-filled. 

I hope what you see is pure. 

I hope what you see is strong. 

I hope what you see is stunning,

I hope what you see is unique. 

I hope what you see is happy. 

I hope what you see is independent: 

of worldly things.

I hope what you see is incredible. 

I hope what you see is hope.

You don't have to try. 

You are beautiful. 

Every blemish, every clothing item you own, every dream, 

every hope, every unique talent, every story. 

Stop trying so hard. 

The world needs your uniqueness.

Without it, it is never the same. 

You are loved most by the ones who love you for who you are.

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For feedback {questions or comments} comment below, or email me at: singlikecrazy@msn.com!

Thank you so much for reading and sharing this post!

Rachel Yvonne Kuhl

*A BIG thank you to the ladies who sent in their lovely natural photos for the video portion of this post. You all are the best and you are such an encouragement.*

Maddy, Brooke, Mary, Krista, Alyssa, JoAnne, Sara, Hunter, 

Alisha, Brittany, Livia, Kiami & Lis.

* Image definition: Oxford Dictionaries *