Beauty found in little things, actions

Beauty is as beauty does.

You’ve heard it before too, I’m sure. Exactly, what do you believe that means? I decided to give it some thought for this aging column since beauty is more often concerned with youth. Isn’t that baby cute? Just as cute as it can be. And that follows along for the early years of youth. But, how about those in the advancing age brackets?

Moving on to the maturing youth and adult stage, it would still be understandable if beauty wasn’t too often, only skin-deep? One dictionary definition of a deeper kind might be, “The quality present in a person’s eyes that give great pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind.”

That might apply more appropriately to people who have selected or attempting to select a mate. Men are reported to be often most impressed by female physique: pushup bra, youth, clear skin, symmetrical face and body, feminine facial features and an hourglass figure. Women are reputed to be more interested in high status, power and access to resources.

After the emotional first evaluation period, people become interested in more solid qualities such as trustworthiness. Does this person truly have my best interests at heart? Actions do speak louder than words here; this can be manifested in innumerable ways and the length of time demonstrated makes it even more significant.

Are people when wrinkles, stooped shoulders, weak eyes and hearing have come to pass, still beautiful?

Beauty has been said to be in the eyes of the beholder; I support that position emphatically. And back to the point of doing; what do we mean by that? How do things done exemplify beauty. Just a few here only because readers will be remembering many others from their own experience.

Generosity is beautiful. My involvement on the Superior Retired Senior Volunteer Advisory Board has provided several examples for me to see as I visited the many sites in Douglas County where volunteers are giving freely of their time and talents. Beautiful to see is the light in the eyes of the people being helped by these volunteers. The volunteers gain great satisfaction as well.

In conclusion, I believe all of us can do more beautiful things if we choose to do so. A lady summarized this succinctly. Sorry that I’ve lost her name and can’t give her deserved credit. She titled it “The Beauty of Small Actions.”

If we can move one stone, we can move mountains. If we can stretch out our hands, we can touch peoples’ hearts.

If we can take one step, we can go all the way.

If we can see the other shore, we can build a bridge.

If we can find common ground, we can stand up for our beliefs.

If you can lift one burden, we can carry the unbearable.

If you can care for one wound, we can heal broken wings.

If you can replace one thought, we can change your ability.

If you can light a flame, we can set the world on fire.

If you can change yourself, you can change the world.

I believe the title is correct. Beauty is as beauty does, and a lot of folks, as has been my good luck, have been beautiful people.

Tags: community, seniors