One of the things I have learned, as I have gotten older is how to spot a truly beautiful person. Have you ever met someone and thought they were OK or average looking, but once you got to know them you realized that he or she was really beautiful? If you think about it, you will notice that after you get to know people you do not see what you did originally, rather you see what they are from the inside out.

There is such an emphasis in our culture on external beauty. Having the most beautiful hair, skin, and smile is touted as important in almost every other commercial on television. I do not believe that the secret to true beauty is found on the outside. Here is my advice for being beautiful:

Be healthy. Exercise, protecting your skin from sun exposure and healthy eating will give you the healthy glow you are looking for. This simple (yet difficult to follow) advice will improve the look of your skin, hair and your overall appearance.

Nourish your spirit. Yoga, meditation and tai chi, (as examples) are all things that can help grow your spiritual side. Finding your passion and what makes you happy is one of the best ways to nourish your soul and bring out your inner beauty.

Practice random acts of kindness. I have an example. When I was in high school, every Valentine’s Day the girl’s club would sell carnations to raise money. The boys and girls were encouraged to buy flowers for each other. I was one of those girls who never got a flower. But, my senior year I finally received one. It felt wonderful to have a flower and to be able to speculate who sent it. This year the flower mystery was finally solved.

At my high school reunion, one of my friends told me that it was her mother who bought all the girls flowers that year. She did not want anyone to feel left out. It was a small act of kindness that made a big difference in a geeky teenager’s life.

You do not need to spend money to provide kindness. Try a smile, a hug, or a word of encouragement. It will help others to feel good and you to feel great. Every time you do something nice for others it is like placing a smile in your heart. The more smiles, the better you feel; the better you feel the more beauty you will project.

Get out there. Be healthy, find your spirit, be bold, be kind and be beautiful!