Love Your Self

Body issues... All of us have them; even the most confident of us.  It is almost as if it is programmed in us from a young age.  We were exposed to TV commercials, and pop stars with "ideal" figures, hair, and skin...It follows us as we grow up an evolves as we do.

For example:  I like to consider myself a pretty confident person, however when I look at the picture above I can easily and almost immediately pick it apart.  I don't like my arms.  they aren't tone or tan and perfect.  My heals have cankles, and make me feel fat.  The sun is hitting my hair at the right spot to make it look oddly colored compared to my eyebrows and the rest of my completion.  The list honestly, goes on and on.  I can pick myself a part with little to no effort.  I am my own worst enemy.  I do the thing no one should ever do.  I COMPARE myself to others.

I see images, shows, movies, super models, etc...  I idolize them more than I should.  I wonder how all of the people in the spotlight are so small, and fit, and perfectly put together.  Of course I always forget that most times they have personal trainers, stylists, and make up artists to keep them looking pristine for the public.  Yes God has blessed them with talent and genetics, but God has also blessed me and has also blessed you.

God will not give me a mountain I can not climb!  I have to consistently remind myself of that.  We are all made individually with a purpose and a meaning to life.  We need to focus on that; I need to focus on that.  I need to be proud o who I am, of who my parents made me to be, of who God made me to be.  Ladies and even you men:  Love who you are because you are unique for a reason.  It sounds cheesy and over stated, but I have to tell myself over and over again that I was put here in my life i this spot for a purpose, and that is so beautiful to think about!  Be kind to yourself and be kind to others!

-Lauren Ashley