Unfiltered Beauty & Love Letters
One: Unfiltered Beauty: Embracing the Raw & The Real
In a world where filters, edits, and curated perfection dominate our social feeds, the idea of “unfiltered beauty” might seem a bit radical - less so now than ten years ago. Even the idea of “no makeup makeup” (which is something your girl really gets behind) toes the line of a facade. But in reality, unfiltered beauty is a return to something deeply human. Unfiltered beauty is raw, real, and unapologetically authentic—and in that authenticity lies its undeniable power. It’s the way your hair falls naturally after a long day, the laugh lines that tell stories of joy, and the freckles that scatter across your skin like constellations. These moments—unpolished and untouched—are what make you undeniably you.
But embracing unfiltered beauty - even feeling confident in your own skin - isn’t always easy. Society has long set standards for how we should look, act, and present ourselves. I’ve had acne on my face since I turned twenty-three (after having a track record of maaaybe 2-3 blemishes over the course of my whole life up to that point) and more hormones went out of whack (thanks, black mould). However, it sits in the seat as an active growing movement toward vulnerability, toward showing up as we are. There’s a thirst for truth, for what is, and a sort-of rebellion against the idea that perfection is the ultimate goal.
One of the things I love about coaching Enneagram is the idea that when we allow ourselves to be seen without masks, whether in person or online, we invite deeper connections. It forces us to take responsibility for what is, while still calling us and reminding us of what could be. When we step out & remind ourselves and others that imperfections are not flaws; they are markers of a life well-lived, we remember that beauty, at its core, is in the honesty of our lived experiences, and nothing communicates that more than being unfiltered in both appearance and expression.
two: Love Letters: A Timeless Art of Vulnerability
In a similar vein, the act of writing a love letter is a beautiful expression of vulnerability—one that is becoming more and more rare in our fast-paced, digital world. I’ve seen and experienced love letters for myself, but also love letters generations old in my family. A letter in general is more than just words on paper; it’s a snapshot of how we feel in a moment of raw emotion, captured and gifted to someone we care about. It’s time.
While texts and instant messages allow us to communicate quickly, love letters carry a timelessness that digital interactions simply cannot - and will not. They are tangible reminders of a connection—something we can hold onto, reread, and cherish. There’s no screenshotting necessary - it just is. They sit in a drawer, in a journal, in a Bible, in a box somewhere…to be revisited. In a love letter, there is no filter, no autocorrect, just the heart speaking its truth, mistakes and fumbles and all. It’s the ultimate expression of intimacy because it requires us to pause, reflect, and be vulnerable - and to realize that once you write it down, brave or foolish, some things can’t be erased.
In love letters, we lay our emotions bare, allowing ourselves to be fully seen by the recipient. Whether it’s a letter to a partner, friend, family member, or even ourselves, the act of writing is one of deep emotional release. And just like unfiltered beauty, there’s a magic in this kind of honesty.
three: Connected
Unfiltered beauty and love letters have more in common than one might think. Both require a degree of courage—to show up as we are, without edits or pretenses. In both, we tell the world, or someone we love, “This is me. This is how I feel.” We risk rejection in our authenticity, but we also create space for genuine connection and acceptance.
In a culture so often obsessed with appearances and performance, both unfiltered beauty and love letters ask us to slow down and embrace vulnerability. Whether it’s sharing a photo without the perfect angle or writing a letter that leaves us exposed, the reward is the same: the freedom of being seen and loved exactly as we are. In doing so, we honor our truest selves and the most meaningful connections in our lives.