Embrace it all

My direct messages have blown up the last few days since I shared about my struggle with having a body-positive attitude. Wowza did my internal dialogue strike a nerve with y’all. My messages have been filled with tons of “I hear you friend. I struggle too” and an equal amount of “How could you even entertain those thoughts?” 

Here’s the thing friends. Emotions are messy. They lie to us all the time. One day I’m feeling sassy and awesome. The next, I’m a human potato sack. Emotions are not to be trusted. What have I learned that helps over these last 30 plus years of struggle? It’s simple but challenging at the same time.

I settle my body, take a few deep breathes to calm my mind & heart, & ask Jesus to tell me what He sees when He sees me. 

“Beautiful daughter”
“You have Dignity and Worth” 
“Strong Woman of Faith”
“Loving Mother
“You are not what you do. You are more than that” 
“You are Intelligent and Capable”
“Empathetic and Kind”
“Graceful” 
“My Beloved, My Heart” 

These are a few of the words I have heard over the years during that exercise. Each one an answer to a specific prayer. Each one powerfully healing. I write them down and repeat them to myself and then give thanks to the One my heart loves. I do it over and over my sisters. It’s like listening to a peaceful waterfall…calming, healing and beautiful. 

Then I speak those words to the women in my life, so that they may know the truth of who we they are and whose they are. Together we are stronger. 

Next I put on a pair of sassy shoes, fab earrings, something bright and happy and go kick some a**. Today’s #ootdfashion is brought to you by @lanebryant from head to toe and @beautycounter on my face. It’s #worthofwearing Thursday friends. Let’s do this thing shall we! 

“You are kind. You are smart. You are important.” (from The Help)