By May Long

If you think that beauty is about makeup, skinny jeans and obsessing over every tiny wrinkle that dares to show up on your face, then you may be in for a shock.  Beauty is really about health. No, really… nature designed beauty as an evolutionary tool. From our cave dwelling days to today, we have been hardwired to see beauty as a sign of a healthy partner. But no amount of makeup or botox can create true beauty. Natural beauty comes from the Goddess within every woman.

You may be thinking there is no Goddess within you, but you’re wrong. Each of the Greek Goddesses represented a part of the ideal woman. Sure, they took these traits to the extreme, but every woman has the beauty of Aphrodite, the strength of Hera and the wisdom of Athena within them. Sometimes life can quiet these goddesses within, when we become so busy and so focused on everyone else. But letting your inner Goddess shine through can create a natural beauty that no amount of makeup or hairspray can match.

To get in touch with your inner Goddess, draw upon the natural strengths that all women possess, and your inner beauty will have a direct effect on the outer you.  Try these tips to release your natural beauty:

1.         Aphrodite is one of the most celebrated of the Greek Goddesses, and for good reason. You likely know her as the Goddess of beauty, but she is also the Goddess of love. And contrary to popular belief, the easiest path to beauty starts inside, not outside. Love yourself, really get to know and celebrate yourself, and you’ll see a natural beauty in the mirror that radiates like never before. Keep a journal, and write love notes to yourself, pearls of wisdom and notes of encouragement. Accept yourself, flaws and all, and only then can you truly offer the same to others in your life.

2.         The Goddess of the dawn is Eos, and she is also the goddess of hope. Celebrate your inner Eos by greeting each day as an opportunity. Make a morning routine that helps you start off centered and strong. Light exercise, reading, or a walk to watch the sunrise- whatever helps your inner goddess greet the day with a smile. When you take time for yourself in this way, it becomes far easier to give time to others.

3.         Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom. Women often work so hard to help others that we neglect our own needs. A wise woman keeps herself healthy first, so that she can properly tend to others. Women are so rarely taught to put themselves first, but how can you help anyone when you aren’t taking care of yourself? Be smart; tend to your own needs first.

4.         Hera is the mother of all Goddess and the protector of relationships. But the secret of releasing your inner Hera is to have a good relationship first with yourself, before you can work on yours with others.  By loving and accepting yourself, you can offer the same to those around you. Cultivate the natural beauty and fierceness inside, and watch your relationships flourish.