A couple of months ago I stumbled across Beauty Revived and got involved during their 50 Most Beautiful Mothers Campaign. Recently I was asked to join Beauty Revived as the Indiana state rep for this massive empowerment movement and I could only think of one answer: YES.

Having spent the last 8 years working with high school youth, this is a topic of conversation that is very near-and-dear to my heart. As a teenager, I struggled with the concept of believing I looked beautiful. … let’s be honest, I’m an adult and still struggle with this concept – possibly more so than as a teenager. Through the last almost-decade of working with youth, I’ve redefined beauty, and have preached it to teenagers until tears of belief ran out of their eyes…. until they believed in their own beauty.

There’s a disconnect, though. You see, when I look at myself, I define beauty as an external, physical and genetic concept. It’s about how I look. When I look outward at the world, at men and women alike, adults and children, I truthfully define beauty based on kindness, selflessness, positivity, motivation, understanding and openness, humility, graciousness, gratitude, determination, and many other admirable qualities. It’s about how I feel about them… it’s about what they exude to the world.

One of the hashtags associated with Beauty Revived is #iambeautyrevived. I am Beauty Revived. I AM Beauty Revived. I am Beauty Revived. Being a contributing photographer to this project and being the Indiana rep isn’t enough – to be in this, I have to believe it myself.

So as I write to you this morning about what I believe true beauty to be in other women, I’m reaffirming with myself, as well because we’re all in this together.

Real beauty. It really isn’t about body shape or size, hair color or texture, facial structure or genetic make up. The reality is, all of that can be changed with makeup, lighting, wardrobe, and even photoshop. We have the technology to change the way you look. Which means the concept of physical beauty has lost its validity. What does it mean when others talk about a woman being ‘naturally beautiful’? You reflect on the outside what you are on the inside. If you radiate positivity and love, you will be absolutely glowing in gorgeousness on the outside.

I adore many of Dove’s recent campaigns. I encourage you to take a moment and watch this. The video will open in a separate window so you won’t lose your place, but do yourself a favor and take a moment.

Beauty is believing. A truly beautiful woman is kind and gentle, courageous and strong. She is unique and proud, giving and compassionate. She smiles – even in tough times. She lends a hand to others and believes in the next generation of woman.

She is part of the change.

She affirms the beauty in others.

She accepts compliments with a smile.

She has the ability to make other women smile.

She listens.

She cares.

She believes.

Every one of us has a story. Every one of us is unique. Every one of us can be beautiful. But we need help… from each other.

So for the remainder of the month of July, Beauty Revived is seeking nominations for America’s 50 Most Beautiful Women. Nominations are open through July 29th and the criteria is simple: nominate a women you know to be truly beautiful on the inside. No age, size or shape restrictions. We’re talking about real beauty. If chosen, she will be featured in a free photo session from a contributing Beauty Revived photographer, highlighted with her story in a blog featured on the Beauty Revived site, as well as in the Beauty Revived magazine this fall.

Nominations can be made here. Bring on the beauty.

Love yourself, ladies. You deserve it. <3

casey and her camera is an Indianapolis Family Photographer specializing in couple, lifestyle, senior, wedding and family photography for Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding areas.