Giving Meaningful Compliments

Yesterday's challenge was a little tricky.

It is easy to compliment someone on a cute shirt or hairstyle.

Much of our focus is on physical attractiveness, but there is another component as well: Inner Attractiveness.

Have you ever spent time with someone that you did not find necessarily physically attractive at first? But, as you spend more and more time with them, you realize they are becoming one of the most attractive people you know.

You look forward to seeing them. You look forward to that feeling you get when you are in their presence.

The magical phenomenon that changes everything is not their looks.

They did not change; you did.

Your perspective changed as you came to realize that their is more to life than being outwardly attractive.

Your perspective changed as you realized that kindness, intelligence, belly-hurting humor, and confidence are some of the most attractive qualities. Ever. 

I love that we have the power to change our perspective.

As I thought about yesterday's challenge, I thought about how I always appreciate less-physical compliments.

I love when someone tells me that I make them happy, or that I am kind.

Physical beauty fades and can change in an instant.

Inner beauty can last forever and can only be enhanced as we continue to better ourselves.

I hope you guys had positive experiences with yesterday's challenge too :)

Today's Challenge:

Quote of the Day

Let's find ways to be answers to other people's prayers :)

Negative Self Talk

Did yesterday's challenge make you a little sad?

I was sad picturing someone yelling or saying those hurtful things to a child.

Most of us would never belittle a child or put down their triumphs, or learning experiences.

Why do we do this to ourselves?

Just because we are older and more jaded by the world does not mean that we cannot still look at things with amazement.

We can still view our accomplishments for what they truly are.....AMAZING.

We do not have to judge ourselves based on what the world says we should be.

Today, I put the challenge to good use.

I thought only positive thoughts even when my day was taking foreverrrrrr....

You know something??

I felt beautiful all day. 

Not in a "you're so vain, you probably think this song is about you" kinda way, but a "you are kinda awesome and smart" kinda way :)

You guys are all amazing and I hope you had a positive experience with yesterday's challenge too!

Are you ready for today's?

Challenge:

This looks tricky! Physical compliments are soooo much easier  but it is true that really heartfelt compliments are the best :)

Quote of the Day

Let's try to keep growing! 

Gifts and Talents

How great was yesterday's challenge?!

I loved it because it truly made me think.

I thought about what my gifts and talents are...and I thought about how to use them to help others.

I brainstormed ways that I can continue to grow and expand my interests. 

Life is too short to hide our light! We need to share it and use it to help make the world a better place.

I hope that you guys were able to think about the things that make you incredible :)

Today's Challenge:

Ohhhhh this challenge looks soooo good!

Quote of the Day

I love this quote! We need to remember the Lord not only in tough times....but especially in the good times :)

 

Body Kindness

I hope you all joined the "Recapturing Beauty Challenge" that I posted yesterday.

I completed Day 1's challenge and I loved it!

Doing the yoga and taking time to breathe, helped me to relieve some stress.

As I followed the advice to think positively, I felt better.

I am so appreciative of this great, healthy body that I have.

Even though at times, I find myself wishing that my tummy were more toned, or that my legs were just a teeny bit longer...I am so grateful for the way my body is.

It is strong and it is amazing.

I am so grateful to have a body that was designed in the Lord's image.

It is so amazing to me that all of our body parts and systems function the way they do and interconnect. 

How cool are our bodies people?!

Pretty darn cool fo sho'.

Here's today's challenge:

For all of you non-Latter-Day-Saint, or Mormon folks out there who have no clue what a Patriarchal Blessing is.....just do the second part of the challenge. Ask you family and friends what gifts they see in you :)

Quote of the Day

What did you think of yesterday's challenge?

*Sorry, I have been hearing that the link does not work...so I hope this screenshot is good enough! Click the picture to zoom in even more :) I will put a screenshot on yesterdays post too!

Recapturing Beauty

From now until October 20, the Women's Services and Resources Department at my school will be hosting a "10 Day Body Image Challenge".

My good friend Amy informed me of the challenge and asked me if I wanted to do it with her. 

My response: Of Course!

I thought that it would be a great thing for not only me to do.....but you guys as well!

Everyday, I will be emailed a new activity and I will have to complete a journal.

This means that I will post the challenge everyday and share my thoughts on it.

I would also love to hear what you guys have to say :)

Day 1

Body Kindness

Challenge:

(Click it and it will get bigger!)

I will report back tomorrow on my feelings :)

Quote of the Day

We need to spread the message that everyone is important....including ourselves! Stop nit-picking and realize how truly beautiful you really are :)

Real beauty.....lasting beauty comes from within.

 Trust me when I say that I personally stop finding someone that is considered outwardly beautiful, to be truly beautiful when they are ugly on the inside. 

Please do the challenges with me and get on the path of loving the true you!

Friends

Today, I am feeling really grateful for good friends.

I have so many in my life.

To be my friend:

1. You must be crazyyy= You must be willing to make a fool out of yourself and do silly things. Life is too short to be boring... I always say.

2. You must love music and dancing= My friends can attest that I frequently burst into song. I sing, I hum, and I dance. Dancing is so fun because you can just let loose and be crazy!

3. You must be loyal and kind. If there is one thing that I cannot stand, it is insincerity. Everyone deserves to be treated nicely and to be loved.

4. You must have a sense of humor. Life is not perfect. Sometimes you just need to know when to throw in the towel........and LAUGH! 

5. You must be yourself. Why would I need fake friends? We all have something to contribute and our own talents. Let those shine. Never be someone you're not. Not only do you do yourself a disservice, you rob the world of your contribution :)

Quote of the Day

Tender huh?

Thank you for being such a great friend. Your comments and notes brighten my day :)

Forgive me?

I have been a bad blog buddy lately and for that, I am sorry.

Today, I thought it would be fun to show you the current Pinterest life I am lusting over. 

My Pinteresting life would include being supppper fashionable and fly.

                                                                        Source: little-button.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I would have all the time in the world to create beautiful nail-art.

Source: cf1.polyvoreimg.com via Ashley on Pinterest

After I was done beautifying myself, I would channel my time and energy into being a domestic goddess..... 

                                                                       Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Ashley on Pinterest

......instead of putting said time and energy into stupid papers and useless reading.


My life would be perfectly organized and clutter-free.

                                                               Source: thespeckleddog.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Every item would have a home and my storage would be cute and effective. 


In my ideal Pinterest world, I would be clever enough to be quoted.....

                                                                            Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

.....instead of someone that quotes others.


But you know what? That is not me.


I am imperfect.


Sometimes I leave my clothes on the floor when I am too tired to put them away.


Sometimes I reach for the canned soup when I am too lazy to make a real meal.


Sometimes my idea of Holiday decorating is putting a couple little pumpkins on my front porch.


But you wanna know somethings that I love about myself?


I love fiercely and truly .


I am loyal and honest.

I put my whole body into laughing: Tears run down my cheeks and my shoulders bounce up and down.


I am a generally happy person


and 


I love to serve others. Ohhhhh how I love making other people smile.


Life is busy, messy, and imperfect: As am I.


Even though I love imagining my perfect Pinterest life, my current life is perfect for me and I wouldn't have it any other way.






Quote of the Day

What would your pinteresting life look like?