After getting my braces put on this week, I walked into a shop and noticed a beautiful lady working there. Her teeth had their own unique shape like mine.
In that moment, I caught myself reflecting on how I looked at her. My first thought wasn’t really about her, it was a mirror of the judgment I’ve carried toward myself for so long.
When I was young, people often asked why I didn’t wear braces. Back then, my mum simply couldn’t afford them. She had to look after three kids on her own, and as a teenager, I had no way to earn enough money for something like that.
In recent years, my oral health has gotten worse. Eating sugary foods, combined with the shape of my teeth, caused the pressure in my mouth to spread unevenly. This led to broken teeth, cavities, and eventually having a molar pulled out. So I had to make a choice: should I get an implant to fill the gap, or take this chance to get braces and finally move my crowded teeth into better alignment? Of cause, I also need to brush my teeth with great care.
Not everyone grows up with the means to afford braces. Looking down on or judging someone for not having so-called “perfect teeth” shows a lack of maturity and compassion. With today’s beauty standards, it’s easy to pick on anyone if we choose to.
Now that I can finally pay for my own braces, that doesn’t give me the right to think someone else is less beautiful just because my teeth now could potentially match what people always expected.
The lady I saw in the shop is still beautiful exactly as she is.
If you are interested in exploring how to see your own beauty more clearly, I’ve written a book called From Ugly to Beautiful Without Surgery. Inside, you’ll find my reflections and practical exercises to help you discover and embrace your true beauty. Visit www.ccwithin.com to get your copy.
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#CCWithin #ChiChiWang #FromUglyToBeautifulWithoutSurgery #BodyImageHealing #SelfWorth #InnerStrength #RealBeauty #YouAreEnough #SelfLoveJourney #KindnessMatters #EmbraceYourself
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We are now open for body image workshop bookings. Our workshops are designed for workplaces, schools, and organizations that want to support healthy self-esteem and promote a more positive body image culture.
