The Liberation of Being Myself: A Stand Against Societal Beauty Standards

Growing up as a girl in Pakistani culture, I was constantly faced with the narrow definitions of beauty that society promotes. The message was clear: the fairest, the smartest, those with bigger eyes and longer hair, those delicate fingers—these were the ideals we were all expected to aspire to. For years, I internalized this belief, conforming to a standard that made me feel inadequate and flawed. It wasn’t until I navigated the complexities of life, facing both triumphs and challenges, that I began to question this deep-seated belief. I realized that no matter how much effort I put into crafting a fa?ade of “perfection” with heavy makeup, intricate hairstyles, and the latest beauty trends, there would always be those who saw right through me. Their indifference was a wake-up call, forcing me to confront the painful truth: my worth was being measured against a superficial standard that often bore little resemblance to who I truly was.

In the sweltering heat of Pakistan, I would find myself cursing the heavy layers of makeup, feeling my skin suffocate under the weight of unrealistic expectations. Why should I feel compelled to hide my true self? Why burden my body with botox and fillers to fit a mold that didn’t resonate with my reality? As I stood before the mirror, I began to wonder: what if I stopped striving for an unattainable ideal? What if I embraced my natural self—flaws and all? I came to the heartbreaking yet liberating realization that true beauty radiates from within. I recalled moments when I encountered seemingly perfect women—stunning on the outside but cold and dismissive when engaged in conversation. It struck me: was their beauty worth anything if their hearts were unkind? Conversely, when someone appreciates and loves me for who I truly am, without any pretense, that acceptance becomes a treasure more valuable than any external validation. True contentment arises not from conforming to others’ standards but from embracing our individuality.

In a world dominated by mere appearances, l choose authenticity. I choose to redefine beauty-not as something external but as the reflection of one's character, with kindness and strength. Let's carry this forward: authenticity instead of pretence, where we can celebrate the mosaic of who we are and prod each other to let it shine. Because in a fast-paced, often fake world, the most revolutionary act of all is simply being oneself.