Loving Yourself in Your Own Skin

Take a minute and think about all of the girls you know. Think about the women that you work with, exercise with, have as friends, and have as family. Now, think about what makes these women beautiful. Who are the most beautiful women you know, and why do you think they're beautiful?

When I think about these things, I realize that the most beautiful women in my life are the women who think they are beautiful. If I took pictures of 15 women that I come into contact with on a regular basis, and had someone who didn't know them order them from the most beautiful to the least beautiful, based solely on the photographs, I am confident that the pictures would not be arranged in the same order that I would arrange them in.

Why is that? Because being beautiful involves so much more than what you can see in a still photograph. These two quotes are what first come to mind when I think of beautiful women:

   

Both of these sayings are so very true. Woman who think (and KNOW) they are beautiful are so much more beautiful than women who are not comfortable in there own skin. And knowing that you are beautiful does not mean that you think you are perfect or that you think you're better than everyone else. It doesn't make you conceited or arrogant. It means that you are happy with who you are, flaws and all! Think about it, when was the last time that you heard a beautiful woman talk about her love handles or her flabby arms? Can't remember?! That's because those women don't dwell on their imperfections. It's not because they don't have any, it's just that they choose not to bring them up in conversation.

"Happy girls are the prettiest."  AMEN to that!!! I know some girls that could be really pretty if they would ever have a smile on their face! There really is nothing prettier than a happy, confident girl who loves herself.

So, how do you get to the place where you love yourself in your own skin? I'm not an expert, but I think there are a couple key factors in getting to that place. First, you need to take care of your body. Treat it like you love it! That involves eating a healthy-ish diet, getting some exercise, and getting enough sleep. Those three things will help your body and mind feel good and give you more energy. When you feel good about the healthy decisions you are making for yourself, it is so much easier to be confident and happy, which is what truly makes you beautiful!!

I cannot summarize it in any better way than using the quote I already used.  "Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful."-Sophia Loren 

Love yourself in your own skin. Love yourself. Really, you can forget about the skin part all together. Just love yourself. Be the person that you want to be, and love that person.

You are beautiful.

Sparkle.

Pounce.

 

The Person You Want to Be

Guess what. Today I am having a day where I am proud of the person I'm becoming. I feel like I am always changing and trying to become a better version of me. Don't take that the wrong way, I realize I'm far from perfect, but I'm having little moments of, "Hmmmm...the younger Kendra wouldn't have had the courage to say/do that." And I like it!

I started to notice this more assertive side of me come out when I became a mom 8 years ago (EEEEKKK!). And I think that happens with a lot of moms. They are willing to do anything to defend their children. And that is awesome. And often necessary. 

But slowly, over time, this assertiveness has spread to other areas of my life and I'm not only sticking up for my two wonderful children, but I'm sticking up for myself! Suddenly, (but not really suddenly since it's taken 8 years!) I feel like I can hold my ground and not back down on things that are important to me. This is true with situations at work, with friends, and with family. 

So, where did this assertiveness come from? I think it's been growing in me steadily with each new challenge I tackle. Every time I set a new goal for myself, and then I reach that goal, I am filled with a little more confidence. Through hard work in all areas of my life, I have taught myself that I CAN do the things I want to do. 

Today I challenge you to start being a more confident version of yourself. Set goals for yourself, and then prove that you can reach those goals. Your confidence will grow with each challenge you tackle.

Continue to grow into the person you want to be.

Sparkle. Pounce.