October 16, 2004

Tips for Authentic Beauty

Saying Goodbye to Self-Pity
By Leslie Ludy

In Authentic Beauty, I describe the slippery slope of self-pity.
Self-pity is one of the most dangerous attitudes to allow into our life. It is one thing to become periodically sad when we are disappointed or hurt by something that happens to us. But continually wallowing in our own misfortune, allowing ourselves to internally moan and groan about every outward struggle we face, is extremely dangerous. It blinds us to see the needs of others, and worse, it keeps us focused on ourselves instead of on our Prince.
This week, take stock of your self-pity status. If you find yourself dwelling on your own problems more than on the amazing wonder and love of Jesus Christ, and if you are more aware of your own struggles than the needs of those around you, that means it’s time to take action against the ugly self-pity that is weighing you down. The best antidote for self-pity is to look for ways to serve others. It can be something simple – like taking time to build a deeper relationship with one of your family members, making a meal for someone who is sick, or visiting a nursing home and chatting with lonely residents. The important thing is to move from a selfish attitude to a selfless one. As you make this transition, you’ll be amazed at the freedom and joy that will fill you and the authentic beauty that will begin to flow from your life.