Have you ever tried artificial eyelashes? I did for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and I LOVED them! When my artificial lashes were on, not only could I actually SEE them fluttering above my eyes, but I could FEEL the confidence that came from feeling pretty. 

Someone once referred to my natural lashes as "stumps." And while the person who said it probably didn't mean any malice, it's something that I've always remembered and consequently felt self-conscious about. When I got the artificial lashes put on, I received compliments like, "You're stunning!" and "I can't stop looking at you!" The confidence that surged through me from those comments was almost enough to outweigh the "stumps." Almost. 

The artificial lashes were only temporary. When they came off and my natural lashes re-emerged, I found myself disappointed with what remained. The compliments I'd received and the pride I felt in receiving them fell away much like the lashes. But why? 

When you look in the mirror, are there things about yourself you want to change? Are they features you were born with—the length of eyelashes, hair color, your chin? Why are we so quick to discredit features that define us? The length of my eyelashes came with the package. So did my red hair and my "Fifelski chin." These things make me me, which is who I was born to be. So I'll keep my stumps, thank you very much. 

As a side note, the artificial eye lashes did help my eyes to "pop" for a recent photo shoot—so for the purpose of pictures, I'll condone them. 

Written by: Erika Fifelski is a staff writer for fourpoints magazine. Photo: Before (left) and after (right)