Five Things I've Learned About Beauty.

I, like many women throughout this world, critique myself. A lot. I am considered my own "worst enemy" when it comes to, well, everything. I find that I am hard on myself when it comes to most aspects of my life: teaching, friendship, marriage, my body, my faith, and even blogging.  I am consistently asking myself, "Am I doing this well enough? Am I good enough?" I have talked a lot about body image on this blog. I have been through my own battle when it comes to weight. Dealing with the ups and down of depression, PCOS, and change have all affected it. Yet, throughout all of this, I have tried hard not to lose who I am. I think that so many people, specifically women, define their beauty by what they look like. After all, why wouldn't they? We live in a world that bombards us with the idea that beauty is all physical.

And, I partially agree with this.

Before you jump out of your seat and scream at me for being shallow and self absorbed and a diva and physically high maintenance, let me explain myself.

I think it is important to take care of yourself. Does this mean that I think you should kill yourself to be skinny and fit, with big boobs, and the perfect body? Does this mean that I think that that is ONLY thing that defines a person? Absolutely not. Does this mean that I think that you should take care of yourself so that you are happy and healthy and at peace? Absolutely!

Because of everything that I have experienced in my life, through all of the emotional, mental and physical turmoil, I have learned how important it is to learn how to take care of oneself--and that there are certain things that sometimes, we, as women, should do to make ourselves feel beautiful.

Two days ago, I had a mental and emotional breakdown. I was stressed, exhausted, and just plain drained. I decided to take a day and make sure to do all of the following things. I know when I am starting to spiral downward. I saw the signs and I knew I needed to slow down and take care of my head and heart.

So, without further ado, here are--
Five Things I've Learned About Beauty:

1. It is Imperative to Get Some Sleep!
I have talked about how I am involved this "Be Better" Movement to help my students in Kenya. This past week, the challenge is something that I not only LOVE, but I think is so incredibly important to our physical bodies and beauty: It is to get to bed early and get some sleep! There have been numerous amounts of research that have proven that our minds and bodies need at least 7-8 hours of sleep as adults. I just read an article the other day that says that women need 8-9 hours of sleep (interesting!). T Money always jokes that I am a different person when I get sleep! I am so much happier, positive, and energetic. One of my favorite things to do is cuddle up with my puppy and my husband, read our scriptures together and fall asleep early.  It's the best thing in the world! I feel beautiful when I have more energy and sleep gives me more energy. Therefore: sleep=energy=beauty!

Cuddles with Saylor Boo. Love that head tilt when I say her name.

2. It's Okay to Pamper Yourself.
I don't think that there is anything wrong with pampering yourself. Yesterday, I had my very first experience with an Air Brush Tan from my friend, Brittany. She works for the Mormon Bachelorette doing makeup and tanning. I was a little weary to do it because I am very fair skinned. I was worried that it wouldn't look natural, but it honestly looks so good. Brittany and I have known each other since we were pre-teens, but we got REALLY close because I forgot bottoms, but it honestly was hilarious and not bad at all. Brittany is really good at what she does and if any of you in the local Utah area are interested in getting a fantastic deal on spray tans, let me know and I can send you her way (or you can contact her on her instagram @britt_willison. Make sure to tell her that I sent you!!!
I also love to get a pedicure every once in awhile and do a little bit of shopping. I think that these things are important when it comes to beauty. It's important that every woman feels like a princess sometimes.

3. Walking Your Dog Soothes the Soul. 
Okay, I love my puppy, Saylor. (I think we all knew that). But, I swear, walking my dog, or just walking and getting out and moving seriously changes my energy level. There is something so therapeutic and energizing by just getting out and moving. I feel beautiful when I am walking and when I am outside. I feel in tune with the outside world and that gives my soul and body a sense of peace. Nature never judges me or my body.



4.  It's Okay to Feel Fat Sometimes.
Our bodies are not perfect. Some of us have internal problems, some of us have external problems. Each of us struggle with something physically. Feeling fat or not perfect is normal. Don't think that you are "less than" because you feel this way. Just remember the positive aspects of yourself and what you can do to fix those things that may need to be healthier.


5. Confidence In Yourself When You are Working Out will Go a Long Ways.
I am sitting here on my couch after a very long week and day. I am exhausted. I don't want to get up and go to the gym, but I'm going to. I already put my workout clothes on and I am ready to go. I REALLY don't want to go,  but I am reminding myself of this post. I try my hardest to not compare myself to others at the gym or to get down on myself. I am beautiful and I know that, no matter if I'm not as skinny or as buff as the other woman there. Beauty is confidence.


I have learned that beauty, essentially, is taking care of your body and having confidence in who you are inside and out. 

Six Things Every Woman Should Say to Herself Every Morning.

My fellow women,

Enough of this bad talk already! 

We live in a  society that is constantly pressuring us to compare ourselves to celebrities, or to one another. It's not fair. You are human. 

You have flaws. 

It's okay to have those. 

Too often I hear myself saying things, either outwardly or inwardly that is damaging to my self esteem, self worth and how I see myself. 

I see other women around me doing the same thing. And it's got to stop. 

You have so many wonderful gifts, qualities, and talents to share with the world. 

So instead of looking in the mirror and not liking what you are seeing, look into the mirror and try saying these things to yourself today. 

1. "I am a beautiful women who has many gorgeous physical aspects about myself." 

-Every woman should  have something that they like about themselves physically. Whether its your hair, your eyes, your legs, your butt, etc. Compliment yourself. Remember that you ARE beautiful. Not by someone else's standards but by your own standards. 

2. "I will step outside my comfort zone today." 

I think we find ourselves in a rut, specifically us women, by doing the same things. We find ourselves feeling the same way about ourselves repeatedly. How exhausting! Stop that today. Do one thing to step outside of your comfort zone. Whether that's trying a new style or outfit that you wouldn't normally wear, to get to know that person who you have been intimidated by, or starting a new hobby. Stepping out of our comfort zones pushes us to be better and more well rounded people. 

3. "I will not let me insecurities define me."

Let's face it, ladies, we all have insecurities. That's also a part of being human. But I also believe that our insecurities should not stop us from being happy, successful, hardworking people. It's okay to feel those things. But when those insecurities stop us from doing what we love, thats when we know it has overtaken our lives. Do not let your insecurities stop you from having a successful day. 

4. "I will not let anyone else determine how I feel about my body or my brain."

You have the power to decide how you feel about yourself. Yes, you will get pressure from outgoing sources, but it is up to you to decide to be the person who you want to be today. 

5. "I will do something for myself today."

Often times women forget that they have their own needs as well. Spend time doing something just for you. It's just as important to take care of yourself as it is to take care of others. 

6. "I will do what I can today. And that is enough." 

I think this one is pretty self explanatory. You are one person. What you are doing is enough. Remember your goodness. One day at a time. 

Find a motto that works for you. Find a motto that you say to yourself when you are feeling down. Find a motto to say whenever you are frustrated with yourself. Find something that you need to work on--for me, its not letting others bring me down or affect me so much. 

Every morning, I say to myself in the mirror: "I am a beautiful women who has many qualities and talents. I determine how I feel today; no one else. I will look for others to help and focus on being the best well rounded person possible." 

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