When we are born, we all receive a body. Whether we like our bodies or not, we have to live with them for the rest of our lives. If we want others to accept us as we are, we must first learn to accept ourselves.

Think about the people you have known who seemed beautiful when you first met them. Over time, you might have seen them differently, perhaps as harsh or unkind. They didn't change; your perception did. You saw their inner self, which wasn't beautiful.

The opposite is also true. People who seemed "ugly" at first can become beautiful to us as we get to know their kind and wonderful inner selves. How we feel about ourselves inside is what others will see on the outside.

Whether we are tall, short, beautiful, or plain-looking, a Black Belt understands that it's not the exterior that matters, but what is on the inside.