Beauty is a noun. It is people, places, things, ideas and concepts. Beauty surrounds us everyday and it can be found in anything that evokes a powerful emotion of joy, admiration, or elevation in you.

The beauty that most people usually identify first is physical beauty in people. There are several different features that some people do not find becoming, but I believe that it is the unique features that enhances one' s beauty. Beauty is the almond shape of Lucy Lu’s eyes, Eva Mendes’ mole, Lindsay Lohan’s freckles, India Arie’s kinky hair, Tyra Bank’s rounded forehead, and Iman’s elongated neck. There is beauty in ears that may stick out, chubby cheeks, gray hair, and small busts. Some people are naturally thin like Paris Hilton while others have curvy shapes like Jennifer Hudson and they are both equally beautiful. It has taken some time, but I have learned to see the beauty in my chicken legs, my not so perfect shape, and my second toe that' s longer than my big toe. We must learn to embrace these unique features or what some people may call flaws. Those who ignore society’s standard of beauty and create their own standards are able to find beauty in everyone.

Beauty can also be found in things. Beauty is my grandmother’s wrinkled hands, the bright and yellow hues of fall leaves, and Marina Koloderidi’s exquisite oil paintings. There is beauty in a pair of True Religion jeans that hug you in all the right places, Steve Madden' s black and white peep toe pumps, and the fashionable designs of Co Co Chanel. Beauty is rainbows after violent thunderstorms, the incredible structure of the St. Louis arc, and a tattoo honoring the passing of one’s mother. Music is beauty, both Robin Thicke’s seductive lyrics and Celine Dion’s angelic voice. Three things that I find incredibly beautiful are Mac Cosmetic' s highly pigmented passionate pink eye shadow, a man' s sculpted shoulders, and Junior' s delectable cheesecake, smothered in ripe strawberries.Yum! 

Beauty is also found in places. These destinations fill you will bliss, contentment, or excitement. Green fields on the countryside, Chicago in the summertime, and the grassy island of Belize are all beautiful. There is also beauty in a trip to the spa and the nail salon, especially when you are desperately in need of a little pampering. Home is one place that brings happiness to most people. It is always fulfilling to return home after being away for an extended period of time. The beautiful feeling of comfort and love at one’s home can not be duplicated anywhere else.

There is also beauty in ideas and concepts that inspire and motivate you. Have you ever listened to somone speak and their ideas and thoughts empowered you and you felt as if you could conquer the world? That is the beauty of words. Your significant other telling you that they cherish you as a wife and mother is beautiful. The notion of a woman, Hilary Clinton or a Black man, Barack Obama becoming the President of the United States is beautiful. There is also beauty is the concepts of liberty, knowledge, compassion, forgiveness, worship, and the idea of everlasting love.

Clearly, beauty surrounds us in our everyday lives. A woman with gorgeous hair you would die for and an adorable set of twin babies both behold great beauty. I want to encourage you to stop searching for physical beauty in those who have the prettiest skin, longest eye lashes, and highest cheek bones. Redefine beauty. Do not limit yourself to only seeing the beauty of people. Look for beauty in all things. I have learned to do so and it truly brings me joy. If more people were able to appreciate the beauty in all things, it would brighten their lives as well. From couture gowns on the catwalk to vibrant purple tulips in nature, beauty is everywhere and in everything, people, places, things, and ideas. Beauty is a noun!