You are beautiful!

In today's world there is this image of what women should look like, what they should act like, and how they should dress. It is everywhere. On TV, in magazines, in the movies. Everywhere we turn there are these images of these size 2 models, actresses with perfect hair and perfect teeth. Society tells us that in order to be pretty we must look like that. Girls everywhere grow up with this image pressed on them. Subject to peer pressure, and the need to fit in, they go to great lengths to achieve beauty. The truth is, it isn't just young girls. It is women everywhere.

But, what is beauty anyways??? Who defines it? Is it the same for every person? Decide for yourself..

beau·ty

A combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, esp. the sight. A combination of qualities that pleases the intellect or moral sense.

Each of us has our own way of interpreting things, we are drawn to things that others are not. We are each entitled to our own opinions. So how can beauty really be defined? To me it cannot. When we start to define beauty, it creates limitations. Automatically excluding some things. We were not created to have limitations put on us. We have potential far beyond anything we can imagine, and more often than not we don't live up to our potential because we fear we won't be good enough. 


The truth of the matter is, beauty comes from within. It is who we are that makes us beautiful. It isn't about make-up, and cute clothes. But our smile, and personality. But with the world telling us otherwise, it is hard to remember this. Being someone who has struggled with self-esteem, and "not being good enough" my entire life, i know what its like. It is MISERABLE! It is draining, consuming, and tiresome. It is completely selfish, and self-centered. But, I have learned that all of that stuff doesn't matter. I never been more confident in me. What happened? I stopped caring. I met someone who totally changed the way i see myself and the world. Someone who loves me for me. And that made all the difference.

So, i decided that i want to be that person for others. I want them to know they are loved, that they can be themselves, and that they are beautiful. I want to love people for who they are, no reservations. I don't want people judging me, so how can i judge them? I can't.

To all those who struggle knowing if you are pretty enough, or skinny enough, or smart enough, or "cool" enough... YOU ARE! :) You are enough! Don't be afraid to be yourself. The less you worry what others think, the happier you will be. And "the happiest girls are the prettiest girls!" (Audrey Hepburn)

You are beautiful! So.. be YOU!

One chapter closes, another one opens

Well, I am back after an 18 month journey that forever changed my life. :)

I cannot even put into words how I feel about my mission. It taught me so much about myself, life in general, and the gospel.  My perspective on life has changed dramatically. I now look at things through new eyes. I see things a little more clearly than before, and i appreciate the little things.

Tennessee has a very special place in my heart. To be honest, Tennessee still has my heart. The people there are amazing. They have such a love for the Savior, and they are extremely loving. They showed me what life is all about. I learned so many things from the people there. They have such an interesting perspective on life, that it opened my eyes to things that i never would have seen otherwise.

Just like any journey, this one had ups and downs. I would be lying if i said that it was easy. It was hands down the hardest thing that i have ever done. It pushed me to the limits, and at times left me clinging to the edge of a cliff wondering how i was going to get down. It drained my energy, and left me on my knees night after night, begging for the Lord to help me. BUT, even though it was the hardest thing i have ever done it was also the best and most rewarding thing i have ever done. The joy and happiness i felt totally surpassed any of the hard times. It made all the tough times worth it. :) People have asked me if i would do it again, knowing what i know now. My answer: ABSOLUTELY! It was hard, but I also know that the Lord gives strength to those that are faithful. Life wasn't meant to be easy, it is only in the hard times that we truly learn. We must leave our comfort zone and explore the unknown. That is what my mission was all about for me. I was constantly having to stretch myself, and push myself to reach the goals that i had set for myself, to become the person that i need to be come.

It was a journey that i will remember forever. One that has taken me places i never dreamed of going. I am sad that it is over, but am so grateful that i had the opportunity to spend 18 months with the people of Tennessee. :)

Now i have a new journey to embark on. A journey that is yet to be determined, that will continue to unfold as i make important decisions. A journey that I am excited to experience. Stay tuned. There are many adventures yet to be had.