Body Shaming.

Body Shaming

Along with the last few posts themes.. I wanted to talk about body shaming. In our attempt to make curvy or larger women feel comfortable in their own skin, (Which I agree- they should feel beautiful and amazing!) we have created an underlying hate towards skinny or smaller women. Body shaming is directed at those weighing 80 pounds, and those weighing 400 pounds.

 No matter your weight, no matter your size, You Are Beautiful! Not all weights are healthy, but all bodies are beautiful. God created us in such beautiful designs. Some prefer muscle, other curves, and others, the thigh gap. No matter your size, your only reason for being what you are should be love and health. If you love your body and the love fuels you to take care of it- whether that takes you to a size 14 or a size 2, it is a wonderful life you will lead. Beauty and joy surrounding! But don't think that you are creating a better society by hating on "skinny women". All you are doing is making a population of women feel worse about themselves. And the same to women who weigh more. You're shaming them in no way shows them how to love their bodies. We should come together and create a society where we fuel each other with love and encouragement. Shaming will never be the answer for anything on this earth.

Beautiful

Beauty

My Reflections for the day....

You don't need bigger boobs.
You don't need a bigger butt.
You don't need a smaller waist.
You don't need longer hair.
Bigger lips.
Smaller lips.
Softer skin.
Longer legs.
Less wrinkles.
More freckles.
Less freckles.
Straighter hair.
Curlier hair.
Tanner skin.
Lighter Skin.
Smaller feet.
Bigger feet.
Longer lashes.
Bluer eyes.

You need none of this. In case you haven't noticed- You are beautiful. You don't need a man to tell you, and you don't need society to accept you. You and your very being is a miracle, and that is beautiful.

 You were hand crafted in your mothers womb and the All Powerful King of this universe stopped what He was doing, and traced the outline of your figure. He numbered the hairs on your head and colored your skin. He kissed the freckles to your face and blew breath into your lungs. He hummed your giggle and kissed your smile.  Carved the lines in your palm and tapped your heart to beat. You are a miracle. You are made in His image and you are beauty.

Society has told you that your worth is in your seductive nature and ability to allure. Sex is your name and your body is your offering. If you cannot tempt them, you have nothing left. You are designed to flaunt and to give. Seek attention and sell yourself. Accept being degraded and give what they want. Let your smile, laugh, hips, walk, stature, conversation, fingers, all allure them.

This is not you, and this is most certainly not your offering! More than your beautiful image, truly unique and designed, you have drive and passion. You have love and hope. A creative spirit and a love of life. If you had nothing at all, but breath in your lungs, you would be a beautiful life.

I think of the nude photos just published of Kim Kardashian and hurt for the beauty they crushed. She has not lost her worth and is still a wonderful creation. But They stole her innocence and she has seemingly bought into the lie that her body is all she has to offer, and she Must offer it to all!

I pray God gives me the wisdom to raise daughters who will delight in their beauty. I pray they will not see the celebrities such as the Kardashians and seek after their "Hollywood Pretty". They will be breath-takingly beautiful. But I pray I can teach them that they are beautiful images of their Creator and that He  breathed life and spirit in them-spirit to love and to seek adventure and to hope and to laugh and to lift up those around them. I will tell them everyday that they are beautiful- in all the different ways they live. Not only for their face or their dress. Because they will always be so much more than that.

This picture just makes me happy. I hope you're all having a fabulous day!

Fabulous Me Time

        Sometimes you just need a little pick me up. Sometimes it's because you've gained a few extra pounds, you're really stressed, or you haven't had any time for yourself, or maybe you just want a little pampering! No matter your reason- I think all women are entitled to feeling fabulous all the time!
         I wanted to share a few tips  that help me when I'm not feeling top notch!


1.) Draw a bath and go to town on it! Play some music, light some candles, and use as much bubbles as you fancy.

2.) Make some tea, grab your favorite magazine or book, and a little treat to snack on while you read. I like to put on a facial while I do this since I"m just sitting and then I can have lovely feeling skin afterwards.

3.) Get all dolled up and go out with your girlfriends! If none of them are able to make it, then find something to do on your own. You only need one to party;) Put on your favorite outfit, do you makeup, and go for a walk, or my favorite, go shopping. Just get out and enjoy yourself!

4.) Ask your honey to take you out. Let's be honest, we feel the most beautiful when we're with them!

5.) Make your favorite dinner, turn up some romantic music, and pour a glass of wine. It will relax you and what is greater than your favorite meal?

6.) Without fail, a mani and pedi always make me feel fabulous! If money or time is tight and you can't go get a professional one, turn on your favorite chick flick, put on your cute pj's and do your nails yourself.

                                Hope these tips bring you back to your fabulous feeling self! ;)

Letting Yourself Fail

This last year life has truly changed for me in just about every way. I graduated high school, started a new job, started dating the love of my life, and had my circle of friends drastically change. I was also diagnosed with Lyme Disease and with that I've had to reevaluate my outlook on life. Ever since I was young, I've always been very strict with my self, especially when it came to my health and fitness. I'll admit I had times where I was a bit obsessive and it was more about how I looked vs. taking care of myself and caring for my body. I would never miss a single day of working out even if I was sick, and was very very strict on what I ate.

 But then within the last year my migraines and headaches become worse and more frequent, I became so tired and unmotivated and everything started to fall apart. Everything felt like such a big task and my already struggle with anxiety and depression became worse, which meant my obsession with having everything perfect was not maintained and that made me even more depressed and stressed.
With time though I've learned to let go a little bit and be okay with what might be imperfections. I gained a considerable amount of weight and I don't keep things in order like I used too. This was very hard at first, but I've learned that taking care of yourself is always number one and you need to listen to your body. I got sick this week and am currently sitting in my bed at 11:00 pm and eating my favorite bad treat (chocolate covered sunflower seeds) and am not stressing out that I haven't worked out in a week, or that I haven't eaten perfectly. I'm just thankful that I'm able to take the time to let myself heal. I hate having this body that feels so broken sometimes and with my health being so poor it can get very frustrating, but there is always a lesson and blessing that can be found. I think one blessing I may find through this is to simply learn to Let Go, and to love myself where I am and not where I could be in a few weeks or next year. We are all beautiful miracles everyday!

DIY Skincare

I'm a huge believer of doing at home skin care because of the harsh ingredients found in most beauty products. I found this on Pinterest and am going to try it in the morning. I'll keep you all posted on how it works! Wish me luck ;)