Born Beautiful story Sharing @singbree

Posted by Hoan Nguyen on

 

Tell us about yourself in 50 words or less. We want to know one or two things that you'd want someone to know about you?

I’m Bree. Endlessly curious, too soft-hearted, fiercely loyal; I believe that in Thoreau’s words “If you have built your castles in the air, your work need not be in vain; now put foundations under them.” I am an opera singer and passionate music educator who wants to be a voice for goodness in the world.

What are you most grateful for in life?

I am most grateful for my family and my husband. Everything in life may change, but people are what matters.

Who do you find beautiful – and what makes them beautiful to you?

I am most inspired by the beautiful women I see who have worked hard to achieve their dreams and are using their voices for good. One such person is the mezzo-soprano Joyce Didonato. Her inner beauty radiates out.

Was there ever a time that you felt ugly? What happened and how did you react?

High school was a really dark time for me. I thought people were looking at me under a microscope, when really I was the only one doing that. My terrible self consciousness made me try so hard to be perfect both physically and in my achievements. I worried constantly about my appearance and weight, though I was very thin, and sometimes hated what I saw in the mirror. I was on the edge of an eating disorder and would have fallen in, if not for some friends who showed me tough love.

Based on the time above, when did you realize that you were beautiful?

It took a change of perspective for me. I realized that my constant self-analysis, even though it was criticism, was really a form of self-centeredness. It was through prayer that I understood my worth in God’s eyes, and that He purposely crafted me how I am, just like a musician writing a song. I came to realize that it doesn’t matter what I look like, but what is in my heart. A kind, compassionate, loving, and confident woman cannot help but be beautiful! And guess what— over time, because I stopped thinking about my appearance so much, I began to love myself, including my appearance.

What makes you beautiful?

I think I am beautiful because God makes beautiful things. I can feel beautiful when I know what is inside my heart is good and right. I no longer see my brown eyes and think how much I wish they were a different color; I see a face and a body that works hard, that loves others, that makes music, and it is beautiful.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Let go. Holding on so hard to your idea of perfection will only make you hate yourself.

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