Every Thing That Glitters...

Diamonds are universally beautiful. Regardless of someone's style or taste they can almost always find a diamond that they love. Isn't it weird that diamonds come from Carbon found in the earth's crust? In fact, diamonds are the single hardest material found in the world. They are virtually uncrushable. What might be the craziest fact is that they are formed under extreme pressure and heat.

Like diamonds, people can often be stunning, eye catching and alluring. In fact, it seems to me that some of the most captivating and dazzling people are actually hiding under an exterior shell. Similar to the crust of the earth where real diamonds are formed, people's most dazzling features may become disguised by their rugged outer shells.

For example, a lot of the time my best self is not visible. It is often hidden under my high strung nature, my results driven approach to life, or the fact that I'm just a little too intense at times. However if people are ever able to tear away those barriers they will find that I'm the biggest softie in the world. (I don't know of many other people that sincerely weep in movies like The Lion King, Patch Adams, & Remember the Titans!) This is true for everyone. We all have our outer walls that often block our most beautiful aspects. People may get glimpses of our sparkle, but until our barriers come down they will never see the full dazzle of all that we have to offer.

The funny thing about diamonds is that they are formed under pressure. As humans we encounter pressure and stressful situations frequently. Some of use handle them better than others. Others of us have anxiety attacks, snap at others, seem inherently intense or intimidating...when that simply isn't the case. Regardless of how people deal with pressure and heated situations, their beauty is usually not at its best. These pressures aren't glamorous, but when they are overcome...it is equally as beautiful as a newly polished diamond.

Just remember...sometimes things have to be put under pressure before their most beautiful parts are visible. Similarly, just because something is rugged or unrefined on the outside doesn't mean that there isn't inherent beauty, goodness, and strength just waiting to be recognized.

XOXO,
E