Written in Partnership with Vishnu Chaudhari
It’s 2023, and it seems as though the worst has passed. We’ve seen a time when we’ve been locked inside our homes in isolation, away from everything and everyone. However, we are still dealing with the after-effects; our economy is spiraling down, jobs are at stake, the health industry is facing staffing shortages, and much more.
But finally, it seems as though nature is healing, isn’t it?
What if you were told that an even greater epidemic was lying within? One that has been wreaking havoc on teenagers and adults all the same?
This epidemic may not directly affect the body, but it impacts something much more vulnerable— the mind.
Body dysmorphia is gaining traction with every swipe and double tap-like on screens controlling our lives. We are caught in a loop of instant gratification as we assess our self-worth regarding standardized depictions of supermodels on magazine covers and the “perfect” lives people display on their social media.
The result? The dreaded feeling of not being good enough, of not belonging at all.
But take heart, for there is one book that might help you find the light at the end of the tunnel. One that lets you know that while you appreciate other works of art, you forget you are the true masterpiece.
You see, God’s beauty standard is all-encompassing, and that is the only standard we need to adhere to. The world’s beauty standard is faulty and can change. If we conform to this standard, we will find ourselves in an endless loop of self-deprecation—forever trying to fit in with the world’s concept of beauty.
But, no more, since the focus of today is the heart behind the pen, which has written one of the most influential self-help books in recent times, My Big-GOD’s Masterpiece: A New Me Dawning, Nadia “Cher” Major.
Let’s delve into her thought process, inspiration, and the behind-the-scenes writing process.
Transformation
“Moving forward requires strength to start, determination to push on, and courage to face fears.”
- Cher Major
The beautiful thing about diamonds is that they are made under pressure. Through adversity, you transform, bringing forth a strong and resilient individual.
Nadia went through a similar predicament.
She was an introverted, reserved individual, afraid to speak and be around people. She described herself as a “hermit.” She constantly compared herself to other females she saw in person, in books, and on the screen. The author disliked herself and yearned for self and social acceptance but found it easier said than done. She found solace in her own home, reminiscing of the good times that had passed, TV shows, and, yes, ice cream.
We all have experienced the feeling of believing we are unloved. It’s something that grows and festers the more we leave it unaddressed. We can’t help but look at others, thinking how they are better than us, thus triggering the loop of self-sabotage all over again.
The truth is we have misconstrued the idea of “beauty.” We believe beauty is what’s on the surface— the superficial.
According to Nadia, beauty exudes self-confidence in the natural “you.” Have you ever encountered an individual who wasn’t the “obvious” kind of attractive? But something about them was just magnetic —their charisma, attitude toward other human beings, zest for life, and, most importantly, undying love for themselves.
The truth is, we all wish to be loved. But when we seek admiration and validation from others, we are bound to be disappointed. Opinions will always change, and people’s tastes and trends will never be the same.
The only thing that remains constant is you.
Nadia says that beauty is knowing that even though we may not look like our favorite movie star, we can still rock because of our differences. These differences make us who we are. We are one-of-a-kind; we are special. Beauty is not conforming to a single mold but having a variety of shapes and colors, which make our unique qualities shine through.
A Walk on the Runway
A major component of Nadia’s book is how she highlights the divine influence of God in her journey of self-love. The Bible says the body is more than clothes. Hence, life is much more valuable than your appearance. She sends a powerful message to all those beautiful women who feel they are not good enough. She advises you to reflect on the vessel you have been given and dislike; that while we may hate our body parts, there is someone wishing they had use of it.
The key is changing our perspective of ourselves and the people we compare ourselves to. Even the people we think are flawless are fighting their own demons; in some way, shape, or form, even they have felt insecure about themselves.
“Life is our runway; we have a look that the world has never seen; when we walk the runway in self-love, people will begin to embrace us.”
For more words of encouragement and a guide through your self-love journey, make Nadia’s book My Big-GOD’s Masterpiece: A New Me Dawning, your companion. Grab your copy now by clicking on the link!
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