THROUGH THE CHAOS

Beauty of Aphrodite

Unattractive. Not worth it for admiration. Less physical value. Not deserving of being loved. Insecure. Someone you would never ask for.

In a small town located amidst swaying trees and falling leaves, there lived a little girl who possessed a beauty that was unlike any other, yet it was a beauty that often went unnoticed. Born with fair, porcelain skin, she was adored by all who beheld her charming features. Her golden locks cascaded down her back, framing a face that seemed to have been caressed by the gods.

But fate had a different plan. Her complexion began to transform as she grew older. The pale complexion that had formerly defined her beauty eventually gave way to a rich, tanned hue that ornamented her physique. The change was subtle but undeniable, bringing with it a flood of skepticism and prejudice that she had never experienced before.

The neighbors, who had previously revered her ethereal beauty, now gazed at her with piercing eyes and muttered among themselves. They doubted her looks, unable to recognize the distinctiveness that had come to characterize her. She became a subject of mockery and ridicule, her once lively spirit dimmed by the weight of their judgment.

Living vintage book. Great content, old-fashioned appearance. Each page was ripped and almost crumpled, unreadable. Full of sense and knowledge, but still useless.

Fitting in the society's beauty standard will always tear your confidence apart. Your eagerness to change yourself will motivate you to blossom. You need to change for them to appreciate you, for them to look after you, for them to accept you, for them to love you. Because who do you think you are if they can't see you? That was the series of thoughts that raged inside my head when I was a young girl who was just starting to explore the beauty of the world.

Aphrodite Lynn Acosta, 8. Black beauty, still mocked. Skinny, still humiliated, is referred to as a personification of a bamboo stick. Embarrassed to face the world, scared to get out of the darkness that enwrapped me. Society is harsh and cruel; their words are piercing.

White, or mestiza, chinita, small face–their definition of perfection, flawless. I was the exact opposite. Tan, or morena, hazel eyes, squared face with defined jaw–that's me. I was overshadowed by my cousins who are incredibly gorgeous. Unlike me, they were all praised and complimented. I was like a nightmare they chose to ignore. The look in their eyes preyed on me as if I was the tiniest creature they could eat alive, without even having the urge to fight. Obviously, it affects me to the depth of my soul. It made me hate myself.

I chose to jail myself inside the four corners of my room. Every night, I look at the glowing galaxy in the ceiling. I questioned myself. I asked God why He made me something I could never be proud of. It is true that you can't have everything. Some of my classmates and people I've met told me that I am smart, kind, have a pleasing personality, and good to be friends with–all about my inner self.

I couldn't stop myself from being insecure when I saw pretty ladies, dashing their simplicity. It's easy for them to catch one's eye because of it. But when it comes to me, it was always a look of dislike. From bottom to top, they assessed me like I was an outdated piece of their favorite accessory. I can't help but be ashamed of myself. The smallest part of me who still believed that I was pretty after all has vanished in a glimpse.

I was in high school when I had friends. I found the validation I always yearned for from them. They told me how amused they were to meet someone like me. I am admirable and mesmerizing, they added. They even said that I am like a prototype of beauty queens, representing their respective countries in international pageants. I couldn't accept it, I just smiled at them.

How could I believe them if I was doubtful of it? How can I believe them if I was caged in the society's beauty standard? How can I believe them if I don't trust myself enough to accept their compliments and praises? All fragments of their great words were only a resonance in the back of my head, unable to process.

Then it delved into me. Self-isolation–anxiety, doubts, and fears. I asked myself if I was really someone they talked about or if they just said it because I'm their friend or maybe out of mercy.

I almost believe it, but there's always someone or something who will remind you of the truth. I had a classmate back then who was often pointing out how dark my complexion was. Imagine my discomfort every time she did anything like that. She is frankly honest and straightforward, but it does not justify what she did to me. It doesn't give her a right to sound like she insulted my skin color.

Days stretched into weeks, and weeks grew into months as I struggled to accept my new sense of self. I longed to be regarded as attractive once more, to reclaim the admiration and approval I'd lost. However, as time went on, I realized that my worth was not defined by the views of others.

One day, as I wandered through a meadow of vibrant tulips and daisies, I came across a little, glistening stream. I knelt to sip from its clean waters and caught a glimpse of myself in the lake. In that harmonious moment of self-reflection, I acquired the courage to accept the changes in my appearance.

I figured out that the color of my skin and the shape of my features were not the sole indicators of my beauty. It shone from within, like a light that emanated from my heart and soul. With each stride, I welcomed my individuality, my tanned skin becoming a source of confidence rather than a mark of shame.

My confidence blossomed like the flowers in the meadow with time. I presented myself with grace and dignity, no longer seeking approbation from those who had failed to see my authentic significance. People began to notice the transformation, not only in my physical appearance but also in the sudden glow that displayed through my eyes.

The people who criticized me for my differences now appreciated my strength and determination to let the world see me as I am. They learned that true beauty was found in celebrating individuality rather than mediocrity. I had become an emblem of self-acceptance and empowerment, urging people around me to embrace their own distinctive traits.

The news of my journey traveled quickly, reaching people in other distant lands of the city. They were awestruck by my story, realizing the power of self-love and the beauty that exists within each of us. My story became the talk of the town, a monument to the human spirit's recovery and the transformative power of accepting one's actual self.

And so, the girl once derided for her changed appearance became a source of hope and motivation for all who felt ostracized or judged because of their differences. My journey taught the world that beauty knows no bounds, and that it transcends social conventions and expectations.

Our true beauty was not defined by the color of our skin or the opinions of others. It was the self-assurance we exuded, the love for ourselves, and the way we accepted our individuality that made us truly luminous. I had discovered the beauty of Aphrodite within myself, and in doing so, I became a living testament to the power of accepting oneself and its inner strength.

Lastly, hi, I'm Aphrodite Lynn Acosta, 20. Black beauty, already accepted what I am. Still skinny, but I am proud of it, referring to the perfect imperfection. Confident to face the world, already had the courage to step outside and embrace the light. Society is still harsh and cruel; their words are piercing, but I don't care as long as I do "me". And this is my journey.