In a world of filters,  where self-worth is  measured in views and  love seems to come with  an expiration date, here's Carlo, straight and unfiltered: “What will really make us beautiful in God’s eyes is only how we have loved Him and how we have loved others.” For Carlo, what makes you truly attractive isn’t your looks, style, or popularity. It’s how you love:  God, other people, and  (pay attention!) yourself.

We're surrounded by mirrors, literal and metaphorical:  the bathroom mirror,  the mirror of social media,  the mirror of other people’s opinions... and they all  give us different versions of ourselves. Some distort,  some overwhelm,  some flat-out lie. Carlo looked into a different mirror: God’s. In that mirror, what matters isn’t  your height, outfit, or  who you impress. It's who  and how you love.  God looks at the heart.

What does loving "well" mean?

It’s not about always feeling good or being in  a great mood with everyone. It’s not about smiling politely to keep the peace.  And it’s definitely not  about forcing emotions that aren’t real. Real, lasting, transformative, love isn’t just a feeling.  It’s a decision. A way of living, seeing, and acting. A way of being there for others, even when it’s not easy.

Carlo got that.  He didn’t wait to “click”  with someone before  treating them kindly.  He didn’t need people to  be nice to him first. He  chose to love. That’s why  he greeted the kids no one noticed, gave up his seat without being asked, defended those who  were left out, and gave  his time, attention, and listening ear.

One night, walking to  Mass with his parents,  Carlo saw a homeless man sleeping on a piece of cardboard. He froze.  He couldn’t just walk past. He knelt down, looked at  him with deep pity, and  his eyes filled with tears. When they got home,  Carlo insisted that his parents buy a sleeping bag for the man. He brought him food every night for weeks.  In the middle of winter, he even gave the man his own shoes and walked home in just his socks.

Think about your inner beauty. This isn't about obsessing over flaws or getting stressed. Take a breathe and look inside:

Food for thought:

Do I love only when it’s easy, or also when it costs me? Am I willing to serve, or do I expect to be served? Do I judge more than I listen? Do I care about others only when it suits me? How do I treat the people I don’t like or understand?

So what does it mean to let love transform you?

Don't wait for people to "deserve" your love. Practice giving people the benefit of the doubt, smiling when they mess up your plans, and responding right away when they ask for help.

Forget about big, flashy gestures. Carlo changed the world with something more powerful: small, steady acts of real love.

Look for the people who need your care. Sit with the kid who's always alone. Don't laugh when someone makes a mean joke. Put your phone down to listen. Forgive others before they even ask.

Carlo's generosity was  deep and disarming.  He acted like every gesture, person, and minute  had some kind of eternal value...  And in a way, they did.  At the end of our lives,  we won't be asked  how many followers we had, but how much we loved.  The beauty God sees  in you isn't about appearances.  It's how you love.  As Carlo knew,  love is the only thing  that really counts.

PRACTICAL TIPS live the love that makes you beautiful

See through God's eyes. Before talking to someone, think, "How does God  look at this person?"  (Hint: not the way you  do on your cynical days)

PRACTICAL TIPS live the love that makes you beautiful

Do a random act of  kindness every day.  Send an encouraging text.  Do a favour without  being asked.  Ask, "How are you?"  and wait to hear the answer. One thing a day. It adds up.

PRACTICAL TIPS live the love that makes you beautiful

Keep your heart clean. Hatred, resentment, and judgment cloud your view.  Go to confession like  you’d clean a windshield:  so you can see clearly.

PRACTICAL TIPS live the love that makes you beautiful

Love yourself too. Yes, this is part of it.  Carlo accepted himself,  flaws and all, because  he knew God doesn’t  make mistakes.  He didn't make a mistake with you either.