Spring is finally here! Tis’ the season for shorts, flip flops and sundresses! The weather is getting warmer and more people are focusing on their appearance, so if that’s you too, you may want to look at changing around your garments for the next season or two! Start having a look into the best mens shorts and other fashionable clothing for this season! The gyms are buzzing with folks signing up for fitness classes, and organic food is flying off the grocery store shelves. Social media, like Facebook and Instagram, are flooded with posts of people’s healthier lifestyle- reporting on everything from clean eating, protein shake recipes and workout check-ins.

Don’t get me wrong, I have always admired people who are able to be disciplined in their eating or exercise habits. I’ve even dabbled with vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, and they were quite delicious. But, as I applaud these attempts toward a healthier lifestyle, this time of year can also amplify people’s insecurities, perceived problem areas, or low self-esteem. I speak from experience because I’ve been insecure about my legs for years. Wearing long pants and maxi-skirts have become a staple in my closet. You can forget about seeing these legs in shorts or miniskirts – it’s just not my thing. So, if you’re like me, this time of year can be very intimidating.

But, whatever your motivation for self-improvement, please be smart about it. I remember when my friend found out that Beyoncé’s post-baby figure was a size 4. What a frenzy that created. All of a sudden, size 4 or less was her new target dress size. Now she’s trying everything from crash diets, starvation tactics and plastic surgery just to have a beach body appearance by June. There’s nothing wrong with trying to look your best, but make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

According to First Peter 3:3-4, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Be sure that YOU define your beauty -especially your inner beauty – and aren’t focusing too hard on societal standards. That’s a power that no one can take away from you.

So who defines your beauty?