Author: Neha Mulay
As a mother, there are moments that touch the depths of your heart and remain etched in your memory forever. One such moment came when my beloved son, with a question weighing on his mind, asked me, “Mom, am I not handsome?” His innocent query was prompted by the weight of societal standards, perceptions, and perhaps even his own insecurities.
In that poignant moment, I watched him walk away before I could respond. My heart ached, not because of his appearance but because he had questioned his own worth based on external factors like his skin tone and physique. It’s a heart-wrenching reality that many of us, as parents, grapple with—the challenge of nurturing our children’s self-esteem in a world that can be unkind and judgmental.
The following day, something extraordinary happened. I entered his room and witnessed a transformation that left me in awe. There he was, engrossed in playing his sitar, his eyes filled with a radiant light, and his heart pouring out through each melodious note. In that moment, it struck me like never before: It is our art, our passions, and our genuine expressions of self that make us truly beautiful.
I couldn’t help but capture that radiant moment with a photograph. As he finished his enchanting performance, I approached him, showing him the picture I had taken. His eyes, still sparkling with the afterglow of his musical journey, met mine, and I said, “It is our art that makes us beautiful or handsome.”
We sat down, and I shared with him the profound truth that had revealed itself to me that day. I reminded him that beauty transcends the physical. It is not confined to societal standards or external appearances. True beauty, the kind that resonates in the depths of our souls, radiates from the passions that ignite our hearts.
I spoke of how, in that moment, he was the embodiment of beauty, with his music enveloping him like a warm embrace. His sitar had become an extension of himself, and the harmony he created was a testament to the beauty that lies within each of us when we are immersed in our passions.
I assured my son that the world would often have its own ideas about beauty, but it is essential to remember that these external judgments hold no real power over our sense of self-worth. Beauty, I told him, is not a static image; it is a dynamic, evolving expression of our souls through our passions and talents.
As we concluded our conversation, he smiled, and his eyes seemed to understand what his heart had known all along. It was a moment of shared understanding and a powerful reminder that as parents, we play a vital role in nurturing our children’s self-esteem. We must guide them to look beyond societal expectations and recognize the profound beauty that resides within their unique gifts and passions.
In that room filled with the echoes of the sitar, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. I knew that my son had begun to embrace the profound truth that our art, our passions, and our authenticity are the most exquisite facets of our being.
Beauty, after all, is not something we find in a mirror but in the radiant light of our true selves shining through our chosen expressions of love, creativity, and art.
About the Author:
My name is Neha Mulay and I am a mother of a 20-year-old who is persuing his major in Psychology. An educator by profession with a 15year experience in preschool on developing curriculums to Teacher’s Training.
A passion for reading and exploring helps me interact with everyone easily. I am also a freelance Voiceover Artist lending my Voice to a few Documentary films and educational films.
I gladly can define myself as “A People’s Person” who loves interacting and understanding people on the opposite side.
Such a Heart Warming Bond