Seeing Yourself Clearly: Beauty, Identity, and the Power to Take Action

By Dr. Chi Quita Mack, LMSW

For Simone Muschett LMSW, beauty has always carried a deeper meaning than appearance. It begins with perception. Beauty, she believes, is truly in the eye of the beholder, but over time she discovered that the most powerful beholder is the one staring back in the mirror. “When you are the eye looking at yourself, do you see beauty?” she asks. That question reshaped everything. As her sense of identity strengthened, so did her ability to recognize her own beauty. Confidence followed, not because the world affirmed her, but because she learned how to affirm herself.

Healing and self-love are not abstract ideas in Simone’s life. They are practiced intentionally, daily, and with purpose.

She protects what she calls sacred time, moments set aside to meet her own needs before serving anyone else. Whether it is enjoying her morning coffee, spending time in devotion, or going for a jog, she prioritizes herself first. “I serve best from a full or overflowing cup,” she shares. That cup must be refilled daily, because when it runs dry, so does her ability to show up fully in life and business.

Her journey with confidence and identity has not been easy. Trauma distorted how she saw herself, and unmet expectations often masqueraded as failure. For a long time, people pleasing felt like the path to acceptance, but it only led to burnout, exhaustion, and imposter syndrome. Reconnection required letting go. Letting go of overextending. Letting go of ignoring her own needs. Letting go of the belief that being everything to everyone would somehow make her feel loved. Instead, she began asking herself what she wanted, what fulfilled her, and what brought her joy.

Self care, for Simone, starts with a decision. Putting herself first is not selfish. It is essential. She knows that honoring herself enhances the quality of what she gives to her family, her work, and the communities she serves. By taking care of herself, she teaches others how to care for her as well. On days when confidence feels distant, she returns to simple practices that ground her. Dressing well. Doing her hair. Being in community. Creating. These acts remind her of who she is and what she carries.

She has learned to listen closely to her body, especially in spaces that challenge her identity or value. If something does not feel right spiritually, she gives herself permission to walk away or say no. That discernment has become a form of self respect. Along the way, she also had to unlearn narrow beauty standards. Beauty does not look one way. It is unique, personal, and deeply individual. “When you embrace your uniqueness,” she says, “you can find your own beauty within, not just what others say.” Dressing and presenting herself authentically became another act of freedom.

To the woman still learning how to love herself, Simone offers reassurance rooted in faith and trust. You are the expert on you. Love takes time, like any relationship. Spend quality time with yourself and with God, and appreciation will grow.

For the woman who knows she is meant for more but feels afraid, her advice is steady and clear. Start with the first step. Celebrate each step you complete. Faith quiets fear. When you trust what God placed inside of you, your steps will be ordered.

As Simone steps into her next level of beauty, confidence, and power, it looks like action. Taking initiative. Going after what she wants. Refusing to accept no as the final answer. It is the embodiment of everything she has learned about identity, self worth, and believing what she sees when she looks at herself clearly.

Connect With Dr. Chi Quita

www.thechiquitamack.com

IG: thechiquitamack & thebeautyinyoupodcast