Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?

I think that one of the challenges that people face today is self-perception. I know so many people think of themselves as un-beautiful and therefore un-desireable.
When did the terms become synonymous?
It's so sad that people think that they are unlovable or unwanted because they don't think themselves "attractive". I know that this way of thinking is a problem for everyone, but from what I've seen and heard and from general experience, I'm going to have to say that it is especially hard on women. Outward appearance, beauty, is something that we are taught to value from a young age. It's the culture we are raised in. The world tells us that if we aren't perceived as beautiful we are worthless. The "successful' people that we see are gorgeous, they have perfect hair, perfect skin, perfect clothes, are the ideal height and weight. And even though we know better, we can't help but look at such people after a while and think "if only I could look like that..." I don't know about you, but I feel so weak thinking that. It doesn't stop me from thinking it from time to time, but I feel so mortified. Why would I let myself think that? I know that outward appearances don't really mean anything, that it's "what's inside that counts", and yet I let myself give into these thoughts.
I know people think that they aren't beautiful. We are our own worst critics, and we strive for perfection. This is a deadly combination, as we are always trying to keep up with ridiculous standards and constantly telling ourselves that we aren't good enough. Everyday we can look in the mirror and be disgusted with the reflection. Who actually believes it when people tell them they look good? Most of the time I don't.
How many times have we told ourselves "they're just saying that to be nice"?
And so, we beat ourselves up, knock ourselves down, and tell ourselves and everyone else that we aren't beautiful.
What. A. Lie.
Psalm 139:13-16
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Now, if we are the works of God, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We aren't accidents, and we aren't ugly.
He thinks we're beautiful; He made us this way. In His image.
We always say that beauty is the eye of the beholder. I want to challenge that. What if beauty is something universal? There is beauty to be found in everything and everyone, I am certain.
Our perceptions cause us to think that someone is more beautiful than someone else. And it's true that we find beauty in different things. We need to stop believing the lie that we aren't beautiful; men, women and children alike.
You know what I think? Laughter is beautiful. So are smiles. Hugs are beautiful. Compassion is beautiful.
Love is beautiful.
Beauty is not looking like a model. Beauty is not comparing yourself to everyone that walks by.
Beauty is the strength to carry on and know the truth when the world lies to you and tells you that you aren't beautiful.
Choose to be beautiful. Choose to ignore your inner critic.
If you know that you are beautiful because the Creator of the universe thinks that you are beautiful, don't let the world take that knowledge from you.   
Show others that they are beautiful.
Never forget that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, no matter what anyone says.