Dove Real Beauty Sketches

"Women are their own worst beauty critics. Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful. At Dove, we are committed to creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. So, we decided to conduct a compelling social experiment that explores how women view their own beauty in contrast to what others see."

My husband showed me this video (click on link above) to help remind me that what I think of myself and what others think of me, may be completely different. As women, we are often too hard on ourselves. We find imperfections and flaws and focus our efforts on how to fix them, when we should be looking for, emphasizing, and appreciating the good. Remember that everyone is different. People come in all shapes and sizes and with all different talents, abilities, and beauty. I once read a quote that said, "I am not beautiful like you. I am beautiful like me." Remember not to compare yourself to others. You are unique and beautiful in a way that's all your own. Strive for individuality, originality, and be grateful that you are one of a kind!

Create

I am often amazed at the process of creativity. To take unorganized matter and turn it into something beautiful and unique is extraordinary. "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." When we create something, we emulate or strive to be like God, the ultimate creator. Take a loaf of bread for instance, although we are not creating heaven or earth by it, we can take raw ingredients such as flour, sugar, salt, and yeast that would normally be useless on their own, and combine them in such a way that brings about a completely new and delicious result. If you're thinking to yourself that you're not the creative type, think again. "Creativity does not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano." To create life, to create a loving home, and to create laughter, are all ways we exercise our creativity. By simply creating something that did not exist before, you are making the world a better place. 

Create by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sunbeams

Roald Dahl once said,...

“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”

The kind of people that inspire me the most, are those that radiate with light and goodness. My parents are a great example of this. They are two of the most selfless and loving people that I know. I love being around them and find myself often calling them, because their voices brighten my day.

I also love surrounding myself with positive people, because they can't seem to help but pass some of their light onto me. Their happiness and positivity is contagious and inspires me to be better.

No matter how inadequate or ugly you may feel in regards to worldly beauty standards, no one with inner beauty, kindness, gentleness, confidence, and peace can ever be ugly.