Love Is The Key To Everlasting Beauty

Love Is The Key To Everlasting Beauty

By Surabhi Surendra from Womanatics

“Love makes life beautiful.”

We all know how true the above statement is. Love indeed makes life beautiful. Not only just beautiful, love transforms your entire life into something dreamy, something worth living for.

Remember the time when you first reached home from a 6-month stay in the hostel and your mum specially made kheer for you? That kheer tasted the best kheer ever. That’s love and that’s beauty in the food. Another day, when BFF surprised you with the sweetest gift ever, the gift that still rests peacefully in your over-loaded shelf – that is love in the beauty of the gift.

Love+Is+The+Key+To+Everlasting+Beauty

And then there is a day when your boyfriend or your husband holds your face in his hands and tells you, “you are the most beautiful woman” – that is love and that love has made you beautiful not only for him but also for your own self.

The ethereal glow on the face of the bride is not a mystery. It is the sign of her love. It symbolizes the fact that she is in love and that she is loved. There is no need to find a simple answer to the question of why we gets zits on face or why we look pale right after a heated argument. This paleness shows lack of passion and love.

Beauty in simple words is just a reflection of your inner self. You feel loved, you look loved. You feel sad, you look sad.

Recently, I was featured on Good Housekeeping Magazine. They did a two-page story on how I quit my job, moved to Andamans, had a baby, said no to several opportunities that came my way, tried to establish my identity in a new world and finally found happiness.

The Good Housekeeping editor said that she found my story inspirational and she thought that many other women may relate to it. She was true. Post that story, I have been getting lot of emails from women who have been or are in a similar situation that I was in few years ago.

It is good as well as sad to see so many of women trapped in the vicious circle of work-home-children life that they don’t know how to break it. IMBB is probably the biggest network of women and thus I decided to write my opinion here, so that it reaches a wide number of women.

There are times when we all feel low, dejected and jaded. I have been through these times myself. When I had just moved to Andamans in 2011, I came here with 6-month-old daughter and a husband who believed (and still believes) in ‘service before self’ and who was on his first posting so obviously he spent a majority of his time in his office. I didn’t question initially because I was busy setting up the house, reveling in the beauty of the new place, enjoying the new and sudden change and finally being jobless.

But soon came a time when I began to feel unworthy. I would look on FB and see how my friends were travelling abroad, buying luxurious stuff and hanging out with friends. I could see that this was exactly my life just a few months ago. And now I was here – in a jungle, without proper internet, a loving but quiet husband and a naughty but pretty baby.

I spent months in exploring what I truly wanted from life. The quest led me to few opportunities – a job assignment in Australia, a PHD call in the UK and a one year fellowship in the US.

Each time an opportunity like this knocked on my door, I was tempted to embrace it but then I would look at my small and sweet family and I would close the door.

Finally, in a matter of few months, I made the choice. The decision that changed my life, for the better.

I decided to be a stay-at-home mom. This was certainly not easy for me to do. Even when I was pregnant, I used to take lectures at a MBA college. I had never been jobless, not even while studying. During my engineering studies, I used to give tuitions and earn a couple of thousands every month.

Post marriage, I had quit a very lucrative day job with IBM and I did it very conveniently. How? Because I was loved. When I got married, I realized that this was the love I was looking for and I couldn’t bear the thought of being away from it. So, I joined my husband and moved to Andamans.

Now when I became a mum, I again had to take a call and I decided to give up ambitions to work and focused on becoming a good mother and a good wife. Not that I advocate quitting your job. I firmly believe every woman should be independent. I am independent too even though I don’t have a full-time job.

This is where love plays a big role. I tell you how.

Love your work:

Should you work full time outside your home, make sure it is worth the energy, time and emotions you invest in it. You must LOVE this job. I was in IT and I never liked it. I did MBA to move away from coding. I did but still I was not too happy with my Business Analyst job. So, I decided to call it off.

Tip: Do the job that you love, you truly enjoy. Simply because if you love your work, it won’t seem work at all.

Love your life:

Loving your work always is not easy. Authors and bloggers who choose writing out of their love for writing also feel writer’s block. We all face times when we know we enjoy a particular activity, but we don’t like it or find it amusing for some time. It is natural and happens to everyone. In such cases, focus on the love in your life.

Tip: If your work is otherwise quite satisfactory, and you know you are not liking it temporarily, take a short break. If break is not possible, just pander to some selfish desires or little pleasures of life. This would fill the gaps of your work life.

Love the people:

I feel people and relationships are one’s biggest assets. Last night only, we had some state guests in our district and I and my hubby met them at dinner. During a casual chat, two of them (at different times) mentioned to me that I was lucky to have a life partner like him. One of them actually said, “it is exhilarating to see young officers like him who say that I like Andamans because I can spend quality time with my wife.” Here they were referring to my husband’s dedication to his work plus his commitment to his family. I replied, “Sir, it took years of hard work to make him realize the importance of quality time with family” and everybody burst into laughter 😛

Everyone who knows I got married at the age of 28 believes my wait for the right partner was worth it! I agree too 🙂

It is people who fill our lives with happiness, peace and love. With loving people around, the sailing of life becomes smooth.

Tip: No matter how busy you are, never ignore or take your loved ones for granted. Begin to invest in people. Progress in life but not at the cost of love of family.

Life becomes more beautiful when you have love around. It may be your hobby, your baby’s babbling, your little garden or the spices in your kitchen you like to play with or it can be simply your small gamut of close friends or doting parents. It can be a super supportive and understand husband or it can be a love for fashion and trends.

Whatever it is, keep this love alive. It will make you and your life beautiful, forever.

Remember, “beauty lies in the eyes of beholder?’ If you love your life, you would find it beautiful. Simple.

About Author:

Surabhi Surendra lives in Andamans and blogs at Womanatics where she writes about women and relationships. You can join her on Facebook here.

Nina Ricci Love in Paris Perfume
With Love Hilary Duff EDT
Essence Kiss Care Love Lip Balm – Purple Berries
Victoria’s Secret Endless Love Fragrance Mist
Daily Beauty Tip : Key Ingredients to look for in Anti Aging Products
Suave Naturals Everlasting Sunshine Shampoo
Suave Naturals Everlasting Sunshine Body Wash
Forest Essentials Sanjeevani Beauty Elixir
Aroma Magic Beauty Pack
Harmful Chemicals in Beauty Products and Their Safer Alternatives
Ingredients in Cosmetics and Beauty Products: The Real Story
Precious Ingredients in Cosmetics
Know the Ingredients in your Skin Products
Which Expensive Makeup Product is Worth the Money?
Dove Beauty Cream
Meeting Gul Panag and Her Beauty and Fitness Regimen

IMBB RECOMMENDS

91 thoughts on “Love Is The Key To Everlasting Beauty

  1. Guys, a small clarification – the magazine got my name a lill wrong. My surname is Surendra and not Surendran! Also, I NEVER went into depression. 😀

    Jomo, you missed an A in my blog’s name. Its WomanAtics. 🙂

  2. Beautifully written Surabhi.. *hifive*
    i love d way you write.. 🙂
    i so much agree to what u have said “If you love your life, you would find it beautiful.”
    as a kid, i used to hear mom tellin..”love wat ever you do and you wil find it enjoyable.”
    100 percent i agree to it now..

    I had also been thru ups & downs at the age of 22..its the love our family shows ..that brings the change..now I’m all happy with my little one,my life and my job.. 🙂

    1. Hey Rama, so so so pleased to know you enjoy reading my writing. Means a lot! And yeah, its just about a change in perspective. And love brings that change. *thankyou* *thankyou*

  3. A very beautiful post Surabhi, *puchhi* it gave me a realization of how much blessed I am in life because I am surrounded by love *puchhi* You write beautifully and I sooooooo agree with you when you say ”

    It is people who fill our lives with happiness, peace and love. With loving people around, the sailing of life becomes smooth.”

    *happy dance* *happy dance* *happy dance*

    1. Jomo.. you are also loved by me! 😀

      and haan yaar, its the people that matter, count and are everything in life! I feel my greatest asset in life are the wonderful people I have.

      1. Thankssssssssssss so much for saying that Surabhi *happy dance* *happy dance* *happy dance* *puchhi* *puchhi* *puchhi* and I forgot to congratulate you here on getting featured, congratulations!!! way to go!!

  4. Worth reading n highly inspiring post Surabhi dear.. *jai ho* *clap* I can totally relate to ur points as Many times I was in same dilemma or probably I ws made to think unworthy of me. Well I dnt hold grudges against old times rather thank them for what I am today, a strong, determined n progressive stay at home mommy. *happydance* *haan ji* I took up challenge to raise my kid while sitting at home, n be a free wella person atleast for sum freaking minded persons, atlast I proved my point as I loved being a stay at home mum, a full time lover, mum to my family. I shud nt forget my third blessing in life IMBB after my hubby n baby, which polished me to a diamond being unaware of my potential n calliper. N I must say at times wen I ws in dilemma ur blog write up charged me up for new hopes n challenges as well.. I wish u great life n success ahead buddy.. *clap* *happydance*

    1. Neetu.. you are always so kind and supportive and encouraging! *puchhi* *puchhi*
      Knowing you, I am sure you live in the present and that is the best thing to do!

      we all go through such times. I am sure Sonia Gandhi would also feel at times that she is unworthy of all such attention 😛 rofl rofl

    1. Awww.. so so so very sweet of you to say so Arshi. Btw, I had a very close friend named Arshi in 12th class. Each time I hear or read this name, she instantly comes to my mind. 😀

  5. wat a post surabhi *announce* *announce* truly made me think what i really need in my life for a second 🙂 i do feel u are blessed 🙂 *pompom* *pompom* take care and keep smiling

    1. Pinky.. *thankyou* *thankyou* so much! We all know love is one of our most basic needs but we forget that often. Posts like these just do the small job of reminding that. Thank you again for liking my write up.

    1. Sakshi, what ever is keeping you pressed, just remember that it is momentary. Nothing is permanent in life and this too shall pass away. Like I said, focus on the people, your family. They would never leave your side.

  6. I simply loved ur post! I m in a relationship with a guy for 6 years and planning to get married next year. His familymight not approve me of doing a job. Business or work from home is still permissible. And I have no such demands that I have to work nd al otherwise I wont get married. Its the love for him for which I am ready to adjust in his family. What else does a person needs. U get lots of love and you can do nythng for them. Love makes life worth living for. 🙂

  7. And the thing u said that our face looks glowy when we are happy and pale when we are sad is so true. People keep complimenting me that my face glows so much right from my childhood. I believe its just out of happiness. Even now I say my guy that my glow is also because of him. He keeps me happy , always smiling and resolving all fight in an hr that I am never sad only. Touchwood. 🙂

  8. You never stop inspiring us Surabhi.
    We often fail to realize the small beautiful things in life in quest for the materialistic achievements. I smiled and cried and felt sad and happy while reading your post. This article did much more to me than just making me realize my identity.
    I was reminded of all the precious moments of life. When I went home for first time after a week in hostel, when my best friend spent her last few hours in town with me, how I fell in love, how I ate endlessly when my mom cooked for first time after I got married as I knew I won’t get it as often now, the last day of college, the first day at job, the first day of being jobless, the last time i held my father’s hand, the chocolate wrappers and dried flowers that are a treasure, the old balck & white pictures of my parents and our childhood.
    I’ve spent last 30 minutes thinking about all the beautiful and not so beautiful moments I had in life
    I am going to forward this to all my girlfriends.

    1. Awwww… Disha, first a Hug from me..! I should say I got senti after reading your comment. You actually mentioned the little things that are actually the big things in life! Thank you sooooo much. *thankyou* *thankyou* Now I am reminiscing such moment of my life! 😀 love ya for your comment. Thanks a ton! This is just soo goood.

  9. Lovely to read about your experiences with your life and people in it Surabhi. Stay happy. will follow your blog . *happydance*

    By the way is it self before service ..?

    1. oops!!! this was just a blunder! 🙁 🙁 it is service before self!!!! ha ha ha.. man, I can be really silly. But thank you soooo very much Nandini for pointing this out. You truly read it carefully.. 😀 I am still laughing at my blunder.

      Jomo, would you please modify it? 😀

      1. Surabhi, I am changing it, anyway, you write perfectly, so I didn’t have to sit through the edit, its just an understandable error, will rectify it however *haan ji*

  10. each and every word of yours is true Surabhi *haan ji* I quit a job a year ago because it was not what i wanted and also because my family wanted me to be at home for some time so that i learn cooking before i get married 😀 😀 A year has passed but still i don’t feel like working (i will for sure work in the future though) because i so enjoy being at home and doing things which i never did in my life like cooking, doing makeup, watching a lot of cartoons, and i also realized that i can take care of my parents in a better way and spend more time with my family who loves me endlessly. Thank you so much for reminding me that i am doing the right thing *thankyou* *thankyou* and may God bless you and your family 🙂 🙂

    1. Hi Naaz, you are inspiring here. Truly enjoying the things that we think of boring. Trust me this is the best time of your life! Thank you so much for your wishes. 🙂

  11. Awesome..!!!! *puchhi* loads of hugs..!! Even i wanted to have a love marriage.. but i cant.. *cry* I checked your blog.. i loveddddddd your article The Day I Found My Love!
    *puchhi* i got so inspired.. Now i can say i’m ready for arrange marriage.. i got new hopes ,.. thank you.. for making my day.. 🙂

    1. Ha ha ha Pallavi.. I totally know what you mean when you say you wanted to have love marriage! I badly wanted to have a love story. Arranged marriages are fun in their own ways! All the best.. *puchhi* *puchhi*

  12. hey surbhi i love imbb to the core cant spend my day without looking at it, its a fabulous piece u have written m following your blog too n read it very often your thoughts r very inspiring i relate a lot to your article as i am a stay at home mom too i have a bay girl too though she is 5 n a loving husbandn i too feel that its a blessing to be loved n give love keep up the good work

  13. Thats a fantastic write up Surabhi.. *clap* *clap*
    Very very inspiring.
    We all forget how much we are blessed and people like you lighten their lives again with these articles.
    I am also caught up in the work-home-kid cycle completely.
    I do feel monotonous at time, but then I see how much I want all this..

    You are truly inspirational!! *jai ho* *jai ho*

    1. Hi Amisha, yes! We all get entangled in the vicious circle of life. Someone has to then remind us that there is much more to life! Thank youuuu for your kind words! *puchhi* *puchhi*

  14. you are an inspiration and i feel both you and your husband is lucky to have each other in life 🙂 and pahal is luckiest 🙂 i dont know why i felt this after reading the article 🙂 you are simply awesome *puchhi*

  15. *puchhi* Surabhi, nevermind. I understood I read carefully and more than tha loved what you wrote. Its really a plaesant and HAPPY HAPPY feeling to read what you write. It indeed shows how much love you have in you. I am sure your family is proud to have YOU in their life!! *hifive*

    1. Hey! This makes me sooo happy. I wish I could make them feel proud. My dad still holds a bit of grudge against me because he thinks I took my life just too lightly. He had lots of expectations from me and while I fulfilled many, there are still few I didnt even touch.But now its okay.. 😀 😀

  16. such a beautifully written article Surabhi! I too have a similar story, was an IT professional for 8+ years, when one fine day it occurred to me that I was spending too much time at work and too less time with family. Especially my toddler. I quit work about one and a half years back and went through different feelings – initially emptiness since first time in my life I was without a job, then frustration, depression – thinking that I had taken a wrong decision. But when I could see the difference it has made to my husbands and daughters life, I think it was more than worth it. I could not have taken a better decision.Ultimately, I realized I am more at peace, more content than I have ever been.
    I will definitely lay my hands on this Good Housekeeping magazine Surabhi! I definitely want to read it and preserve it. Hats off to you for such a beautiful and thoughtful article *jai ho* *jai ho*

    1. Wow! Yours is truly an inspiring story Shri. You quit job after 8 years. That sure requires lot of grit. Kudos. And I totally know what you mean – that is how it happens I feel. We feel empty for a while and then we attain peace. 😀 So nice to connect with you here. Thank you soo much! *puchhi* *puchhi*

  17. *clap* *clap* awesome post Surabhi *jai ho* *jai ho* iam not working at present due to some reasons and every now and then i used to feel myself unworthy. This post is truly inspiring *haan ji* really needed this one *thankyou*

  18. Nice written Surbhi I adore your words from the bottom of my heart.I was working before marriage but then i had to leave for some reasons then baby now my baby is in the age of two,from last few months i m feeling like what i am doing,who knows me outside,should i spend my whole life doing household works?????.I don’t know how many times I said to myself that I am going to join my job again that’s it but…in the next few seconds the decision changes when i look at my child . i always start crying..why should he suffer for my ambitions.
    I am still in dilemma but definitely your article is going to help me..Thanks Thanks a lot Surbhi…i would like to mention here that I am not at all meaning that working women can not be a good mother. Sabka sochna alag hota hai

    1. Yeah! And I also tried the same thing to convey in my article that wherever you are, whatever you do, find love and happiness there! I know how it feels when you have kids etc. I also felt my life is finished, but if we look at it positively, the same thing seems very beautiful. 😀

  19. Your article left me speechless Surabhi. *silence* . I always give priority to my parents & family as compared to my job. And due to this i always have a hitch in me that i am not giving my 100% to my job as i always see so many people around who ignore their partners/ family due to their work commitments.
    But after reading your article…i am having a sense of pride 😀 and claps for you for being an inspirational example for all of us on IMBB *jai ho* *jai ho* *clap* *clap*

  20. Loved your write up Surabhi.. even I am in similar situation .. just holding off my well paid job to support my husband… but I agree to each and every word you said.. Down the line, after we settle down a bit, I would like to pursue the loves *haan ji* of my life.. *thankyou*

  21. Very well written article though I do not necessarily have the same opinion. I have seen my mom carry the grudge of not working and being financially dependent on my dad all throughout my life and I guess that has affected me in some way. I found my guy and married him on my own terms. I have an amazing husband and a wonderful toddler. I am on my toes (home + office) more than 17 hrs a day and I am dead tired by the time my head hits the pillow, however I thank God every single day for the life I am leading and for the people I am surrounded by. They’ve made this life all the more worthwhile! 🙂

    1. Very well Preeti! That is exactly what I said in the article – love your job! If you love your job and you have a wonderful husband. What more is needed in life? 🙂

  22. wow! just when i’m winding up my day i come across this b’ful piece of writing!
    u literally made me cry… the tears of thoughtfulness ofcourse…. this was something i needed badly!
    i’m 25, struggling both professionally and personally… result? whether m working or doing any random stuff… m just lost in my own thoughts and struggling hard to be happy!
    i was a young, energetic and totally self-loving person till last year… but then life started showing its true colors! and thats where my failure started!
    ur article has truely inspired me to bounce back with full fervour…. and most importantly to love myself all over again to gain back that lost confidence.
    thank you so much from the depth of my heart *jai ho* *jai ho*

    1. Parul….awwwwwww….hugs to you, don’t worry, you will bounce back, its just a phase that will pass on…..stay happy, you will do well *puchhi*

  23. Such an inspiring post! I so needed this, I try to work on few things now on which you mentioned in the post. Thanks Surabhi.

Leave a Reply to jomol Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *