Choose Beauty Over Ugly

Some pretty flowers are poisonous but a number of people could be as toxic, too

Except for the roses which are edible, the rest of the flowers and the eucalyptus leaves in the bouquet are toxic. The iris is especially poisonous. Photo by the author.

Beauty, they say, is in the eyes of the beholder. A beauty title holder may be seen by most as gorgeous, but a few might see the beauty contest winner as hideous.

Opposing views, in the case of flowers, are hardly ever heard. Their beauty is not only in the eyes of the beholder. Their beauty is intrinsic.

Take the daffodil, the tulips, the lily, chrysanthemums, clematis, the bluebells and many more. Is there anyone who would dare say they are ugly flowers?

Or take the eucalyptus leaves. Who will be repelled by its pleasing, soothing smell?

Or the ivy, the type that seems to be everywhere. Who will be put off by its beauty that are found indoors, in gardens or in woodlands?

Be aware, though. All the above-mentioned are toxic in differing levels.

Such is life

There is beauty that is appealing; there is beauty that is revolting.

Same with ugly. To a beholder, ugly displeases. But ugly, for others, appeases.

With plants and flowers, it is easy to be beguiled by their beauty. But then, it is also easy to find and learn which ones harbour the most toxicity.

Not so much with people

It isn’t easy to discern if their beauty gushes forth from within, or if their beauty is just a facade — until you get stung by their poison.

In the same breath, people we view as ugly in all manners might just be a facade.

A veil that conceals a heart of gold and compassion; or a curtain that needs to be opened up by someone whose beauty of soul lights up the hibernating beauty in another.

The beauty in us may not be intrinsic as those possessed by flowers, but we can choose.

We can choose beauty over ugly

We can choose to help others let go of the ugly in them. By being kind, by being a beacon of light, and by inspiring them to unleash their inner beauty, their innate goodness.

Some flowers that are pretty but deadly cannot choose to be pretty and pure.

Us, humans, can fortunately choose beauty over ugly and, hence, revel in life with less ugliness and with more grace and righteousness.

Wouldn’t you choose this, too? 😊

References:

Foxglove and other poisonous plants: a list of toxic plants in the UK Are bluebells poisonous? And more bluebell facts Is ivy poisonous? Common flowers in bouquets that can be poisonous in your home — including chrysanthemums Plants -> Poisonous Poisonous Plants and Flowers for Children Iris Tectorum

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