Ta-Da!

DO you love my new blog design!?
I sure do!! It's been in the works for a couple of weeks now as I've communicated back and forth between my designer/blogger, Sabrina Dellinger of Hey Sabrina Faith. I definitely wanted a simpler, cleaner look and that's what got delivered! Yay! I love the color yellow and well, black is a fave too, so those had to be there! Sabrina was an absolute joy to work with! She was so patient with me and assured me that she wanted me to be picky if I didn't like something. I feel like this new design represents me better now, as I've grown and experienced so much good things this past year. It was time to be out with the old and in with the new. I wanted something bold, but sophisticated. Serious, but fun and with pops of color!

oldie but goodie

Sabrina's rates are {very} reasonable, especially considering the time & talent she dedicates to making sure you love your new design. If any of you want a new design for your blog now, or sometime this year, check out her packages and things she offers, like a cover for your facebook or etsy shop? and see her previous work too.

So yeh, this is the BIG REVEAL and Sunny Tales & Happy Mail is new & improved and here to stay for the foreseeable future! Thank you Sabrina for the new look! And thank you, my readers, for supporting me and my blog and for all the love you give me every time I post.

One of my goals for this blog since the beginning is to be a source of inspiration. A place that you feel hope or happiness and maybe have a smile on your face after you close the tab and go on with your daily life. Even though I do share struggles in my life, I don't think I portray myself to be a debbie downer nor can anyone expect happy, pretty posts all the time. No one's life is like that, for real. And Brittany likes to keep things real here. We all go through trials. We all have uncooperative hair days, food in our teeth, cars breaking down (in my case, my wheelchair), or physical ailments, but we can choose to be happy as we realize the good. The blessings we do have measure far more than that particular struggle or negative thing in our life at any given time. Let's get through it together. Thanks for being awesome people! Chat soon!

Because you are...

I've been debating about when to publish this post. While my original plan was to post this on thursday (running back and forth about the fact that giveaways do better when started on a monday--i read this stat somewhere)..and my plans for sunday style (tomorrow)...i just couldn't fight the feeling that it needed to be posted today.

I typed my thoughts for this post at 2:08 am yesterday morning while laying in bed. Sometimes, the best inspiration comes to me at night when I can't sleep, haha. My cousin Joe has these moments too, and maybe that's the artist in us. The creative mind. I hope it leaves you thinking about how great you are, even if we don't know each other.

Did you know that you are worth so much? So much more than the price of Rubies (Proverbs 31). Do you feel unloved, less than or lonely? I know that I do at times. I know that comparison is a killer of joy. I am guilty of comparing myself to other who I "see" as perfect. This leads to me not loving myself and not being thankful for the talents and gifts I DO have! For every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). The girl I see as perfect, who has a pretty face, a thinner body, healthy hair and stylish clothes, well she has struggles too. She faces insecurities just as I do. No one is exempt from trials and hardships. No one is entirely happy all. the. time. It's comforting to know that God sees all his children on an equal plane. No one is above the other. I want to see others and myself as God sees them! and it's possible.

How can I say that you are beautiful or handsome? That you are loved? That you are worth MORE than you think? I can because I am a daughter, sister/sibling, friend just like you. I understand how it feels to doubt myself. I know how it feels to think your life may never change...for the better. I've been in that place where you don't feel pretty (hey, i still sometimes think that!). You are pretty (or handsome, guys!). I've been in that place where you don't feel like what you have to give is enough. You are so valuable in our father's eyes and in others, because you are! You are full of promise! Believe that. Your life is a gift. You are here for a divine reason. Your life is meant to touch others. Your life is a gift to others even if you think you haven't made an impact in some large scale. It's the little things. If you don't think so, try focusing on someone in need, a complete stranger perhaps and do some simple act of kindness. I bet you'll feel better that you extended love and generosity to someone who was very possibly having some struggle too. I promise you hope. There is always hope. Hold onto it. Believe in miracles because you are a miracle.

just keep swimming.

"Don't be afraid to be unique or speak your mind, because that's what makes you different from everyone else," ---Dave Thomas 1932-2002, Founder of Wendy's

My friend and neighbor Kae posted this quote on her facebook page recently and I thought it was SO perfect for this post.

I will not be ashamed or be afraid to share what's on my heart.  That includes sharing about my faith and the decisions i've made that have led me to this point in my life. I haven't publicly declared my religious affiliation ever. Like, not even when I was a practicing Catholic, or when I considered myself non-denominational Christian. It's so crazy scary to become so vulnerable and share something so private, personal and sacred but as you know, I've always been open and honest about my life and well, faith is my life motivator and core of who I am. That is something I don't see changing. In this little space of the internet, I bear part of my story.

I've had this post sitting in my drafts for weeks now. I got distracted with being sick and other social activities that I haven't forced myself to quiet time and sit here in silence with my thoughts to pour out my heart and leave it for all to see/read.

About a month ago I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a beautiful, spiritual day for me and those who attended. Alot of different emotions ran through but they were all good. Such a memorable, blessed day!!

I won't go into too much detail of how I got there (maybe later), but I can tell you that I've seen many blessings many months before I officially became a member of the Church. Some of these blessings would have brought me to my knees if I could kneel!

Every Good and perfect gift comes from above. ---James 1:17

Last summer, when I first told some family members, including my mom and dad, that I wanted to convert to this church, I was very nervous about their thoughts and reactions. They took it quite well. I was so relieved. The bottom line is that they love me and they support whatever makes me happy. Some teachings of the "mormon" church are the same as in the Catholic church, and I think that's what made it not so "weird" plus they knew that I was interested in the Church years ago. I felt incredibly blessed to have them back me up as I faced challenges with close friends opposing the LDS church and my decision (they are completely entitled to their opinions and beliefs as am i). I cannot even express how much I love my family and how them being there for me means to me.

There were times I felt so overwhelmed and stressed, that I cried and I cried to God that He would strengthen me through those times. I know that on this journey, there will always be people who oppose, but that doesn't and will not stop me from growing in the gospel and keeping the faith. All I want is for others to let me be and allow me the same freedoms they hold as they practice their faith (first amendment) or their choice to not even be Christian, you know what I mean. While I've had adversity there have been more moments of happiness and I know they were a gift from God. Such happiness that my heart seemed as though it would burst. I was overcome with gratefulness yet just appreciation for this beautiful life, that I get to experience such happy, simple moments.

Just like the old saying, treat others how you'd like to be treated. I guess it's hard for me to understand others disagreeing with me when I'm only accepting of their choices who make them who they are, which is wonderful. I believe we are all children of God and we are all in this together.

I am not here to preach or condemn, that is not my intention at all. Preaching and telling someone what they should do or what they should believe is totally not my style, AT ALL. I do, however, feel comfortable enough to share my beliefs and the things that bring me joy. If my story gives you hope or courage to take that leap of faith, in whatever aspect of your life, church related or not, then I am so glad! If you have questions for me(within reason) whether it's about my personal journey or about the church, email me or leave me a comment and I will happily answer them as best as I can.

I don't know everything. I am just like you, still learning forever, but the things I do know, I cling to and have hope in. That is faith to me. I know God loves me. He is real. Our Father in Heaven loves each and every one of us so deeply, I cannot even wrap my brain around it sometimes. I know I am so blessed to know that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that through Him, I am saved and redeemed. I think most of us are always seeking truth (maybe the first part of your life) and what that truth means to us. Like Dori says in Finding Nemo, "just keep swimming." In life, we just keep moving forward and that's the direction my life has been going and the way I'd like to keep it. I have my truth and my testimony grows as I grow.

This bird has been set free.

what is your truth? are you still searching?
what do you believe in?
could simply be kindness and love :)

you are beautiful. for reals.

as we end this saturday night, I am so honored to be coming together with tons of other beautiful bloggers for this movement. It's all for the support of encouraging girls and women to believe in themselves and that they are worth more, far more than what society might say.Will you join us?

Positive change starts with our thoughts; those thoughts lead to what we say and what we do.
`

Ellie Coburn // elliecoburn.com | Christina Soto // Piecing it all together | Shane Prather // Whispering Sweet Nothings | Vicki // My Vickilicious Life | Kristine Foley // The Foley Fam | Jenny // Diary of a Dreamer | Nina // Nina's Bargain Beauty | Ashley Griffith // After Nine to Five | Christine Rosko // Life With a Side of Coffee | Megan Flynn // Freckled Italian Kendra Newton // Kandid Kendra | Julie Grimmett // Julie is Coco and Cocoa | Kayla Leppelman // Love Sparkle Pretty | Ashlea Durrett // Ashlea with an A | Sarah Hallstead // A Plethora of Pondering's blog | Cassie Yielding // Live. Laugh. Love. | Laura Euler // Storybook Reality | Brett // What Happens at Bakertown | Brittany Trevino // Sunny Tales and Happy Mail | Ashley Wilhite // Your Super Awesome Life | Eliza St. Clair // Case Study | Diana // Fly to the Wall | Elle // Dig Deep Studio | Cody Doll // Catching Cody K. | Wendy E. // Blush and Barbells | Brenda Wilkerson // Don't Stop Believing
Today is an exciting day, new friends!  Welcome to the first ever community fair for women empowerment. 

My name is Ellie Coburn, I'm the owner and founder of the Speak Now Organization and movement for women empowerment. 
Today exists to inspire you to love yourself. Today exists to challenge you to empower yourself.
Today exists to spark a movement that is of such importance.....
A movement of self-worth, self-appreciation, and self-love. A movement that strives to create a community thousands strong of women who believe in themselves and their abilities. 

Today Speak Now is teaming up with 30+ bloggers, woman, and empowerment leaders and telling you that you are beautiful. 

Why are we here sharing this information with you?

We live in a culture that defines our successes based on our weight, general appearance, or financial successes. A culture of female mothers, lawyers, doctors, waitresses, bloggers, realtors, house maids, interior designers, graphic designers, photographers, and endless other lifestyle choices. Interestingly, despite our dynamic differences based on demographics or choices we are expected to fit in with the expectation of the "ideal woman" Today we are here to tell you: 

Speak Now exists to inspire and empower you to look in the mirror each day and pledge to love yourself. Are you in? 

Link Up Below to Show your support. Be sure to share your support with family, friends, and fellow bloggers. Like us on Facebook to stay connected!

Special Thanks to,  Sarah Moog, Casey Wiegand of the Wiegands, Annelise Rowe of Aunie Sauce, and  Jenni of Story of My Life

 

This Event is Sponsored By: 

The Transformation Survival Guide

sunday style + you matter

Happy Tuesday everyone! I am surprise I am not taking a nap right now. My sleep patterns have continued to be worse than normal, and last night, well I was up all night...again. No boo hoo's here though!

I am happy to be blogging today! I am happy because I've been feeling like God has my back and He knows what I need. It sure does feel good to feel like you belong, that you matter, and YOU, my reader, DO matter! Wherever you are in the world or country, believe that :) Often times, we can feel insecure and unsure of ourselves. We sometimes wonder, will they like me? will they care what I have to say? like if you are going up to talk in front of a group of people. Really, us bloggers, for one, are putting ourselves out there. Going up in front of the "class" to inform others and share our opinions and thoughts. We make ourselves vulnerable and that can be scary. Someone wise told me this year that, "we are all scared." So, essentially, we are all in the same boat, so try not to fret and just show up, go up and put forth your best effort and someone out there will connect with you and like you as you will be a blessing in their lives.

So here we are for another installment of Sunday Style and this time, with Miss Amanda!

my legs are so white!

 

Has there been a time recently that you felt inadequate? Or that someone just dismissed you? How do you stay confident?

amanda's outfit// 
dress:jcpenny's
booties: target
bracelet: gift from mom

britt's outfit//
shirt: downeast basics
skirt: downeast basics
earrings: handmade, online
watch: gift from brother

sunday style + trials in life

I didn't intend for my last few posts to revolve around fashion, but it happened.
I didn't intend to only take a close-up photo of Paco's tie, but that's how it happened.

I didn't expect to be so tired last night, but it happened.
I didn't expect that I would sleep three hour intervals at a time, but that happened, and I am grateful.

What?! Only three hours at a time?
yes. oh yes. those three hours of sleep time were lovely. I only woke up twice last night, which is a rarity. I was able to fall back asleep pretty quickly too, and that was without taking ativan or valerian root either--not to make myself sound like a druggie either lol ( i say this lightly).

Yesterday in church, one theme talked about was trials. This topic really got me thinking. About trials, I've gone through plenty of them in my life so far. You too? Ok great, we can get through life together :) It's certain that there will be many more trials to come my way, however, I can be assured that I will never be alone through them, for God is with us, Emmanuel.

One aspect of trials is that it gives us an opportunity, almost a test, to be obedient to God and by doing so, we will see that he does not forsake us as we go up against our enemies or storms of life. His promises remain true.

D&C 98:14, "Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy."

Another aspect of trials is that they truly develop our character and we have the power to choose to see the lesson in that certain trial. We are made stronger (i know it sounds so cliche). We are made stronger not by our own efforts, but through Christ, whose joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It might sound wacky to have joy amidst trials, but really, there is a joy, an everlasting joy that comes from knowing that in Christ, we can overcome anything as He overcame the world and death!

I was reminded this week that the commandments God has given us are for our own benefit. Just like our earthly parents, He wants what is best for us and teaches us through His word the way we should go and things we should do so that we are protected, loved and happy.

My challenge for myself is to choose joy and *try to keep my attitude in perspective as I face trials, being confident in my father in heaven that he knows me better than I know myself.

dress// downeast basics
earrings// oldnavy
clutch// goodwill, originally from Nordstroms
lipgloss// almay's color + care liquid lip balm in apricot pucker

sunday style on a tuesday

yeh yeh, I am like two days late in writing about my weekend. Church was most excellent again. I love that wonderful insights were spoken of that direct us closer to God. One verse from Isaiah that I read recently reminded me, thankfully, that I must be patient as I wait upon the Lord. This could surely apply to many situations or "places" in life:

"Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you, and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on your. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are those who wait for Him."---Isaiah 30:18

I certainly know how waiting can be difficult. Waiting on Him for confirmation or guidance is one of the best things we can do. Waiting for Christ's great light to rest upon us, especially in times of distress, what better peace could we get?

2 Nephi 19:2, "the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."

So let's talk about Sunday Style as in what we wore to church, because that's how paco & I roll.

hey, I rhymed lol.

 dressed stellar-ly

Can you guess who Paco was trying to be?...uh that would be me. the girl with the star tattoo.

I also should mention the yummy frozen yogurt that James picked up over the weekend, which took me three days to eat. I haven't had fro-yo in probably four years! The flavor/s I wanted were not available, so i went with oh-so-original vanilla with some dark chocolate chips sprinkled with andes mint chips. yum!

shirt: Forever21

skirt:walmart

earrings:F21

sunnies:charlotte russe

clutch: yard sale!

How was your weekend? Or how's your week going so far? Did you enter this giveaway for eighty buckaroos?

the story of a bird that flew into my life

Yesterday started out as a typical day. Nothing too crazy going on. I had my plans, which consisted of making some cards for a couple people as well as typing up a blog post.

I had a lingering migraine since early morning and so after breakfast, I took an aleve, came back to my room to take a little nap waiting for my migraine to go away. Around 1130 A.M. I started getting to work. After the kids and I cleaned up our mess, little P and I went to get the mail around 2 p.m.

Since there was been rainfall some nights in the past week, there are muddy puddles near our mailbox. So as we are approaching, I see a bird stuck in the mud! The closer I got to it, I could tell that it was injured and probably got ran over a bit because he/she was still alive, barely breathing. My eyes began to tear up as I thought how I could him/her. Little P and I came back to the house, which Little P yelled, "Tia, Tia, can you help us!? There's a little bird stuck in the mud outside."

Actually, Little P's mom, Maria, went out and picked up the bird for me. She brought it in and washed off the mud in the bathroom sink (she totally put gloves on and is recommended if you are ever wanting to help a fallen bird.) Anyways, after that she wrapped him up in a paper towel and handed him to me. I held him close to my chest and examined him.

His right wing was injured as there was a pink bald, burned looking spot, where there should have been feathers. The very front of his beak looked chipped as he/she was also bleeding more inward there. His right eye was totally closed the entire time I "watched" him and he/she would sometimes open their left eye. The top of their head was also burned/bald looking.

Oh our hearts just dropped for this baby. I have no idea how old this bird may have been, but he/she was very lightweight. In reality I know there wasn't much I could do to help him/her, but there was just no way I could leave him/her outside stuck in the mud to burn to death in the sun and heat beating down on them.

I made a MAJOR mistake of giving it water to drink. I learned this after I googled "how to help an injured bird."

You may think you are hydrating them, helping them of thirst but no. Actually "forcing" water into them, well that water can go straight to their lungs :( :( double sad face. this is because at the very back of their beak, the liquid goes straight to their lungs.

The other mistake I did was while still in the paper towel, I set him on a towel, thinking it would be softer and more comfortable. Wrong again. The information I found said to get a shoebox size (open) and place several tissues inside to help the bird feel like it's in a nest. So we did that. Plus, an injured bird needs silence and darkness.

Little P and I both prayed and prayed for this little bird.
However, as a few hours passed, I could tell the bird was declining. His breaths were more shallow and he was bleeding more.

James came in my room to discover our friend. We talked about what to do. It just made more sense to help ease the transition of life to death for this baby who was suffering. I told James there is no way I can do it. I can't physically hurt him, run him over, etc. We thought, it's more humane this way, right, as difficult as it was?

James took the box outside and waited, because  1. it was beginning to smell 2. birds do have diseases, bugs, etc. not the most sanitary thing.
James mustered the courage to help this bird along to birdie heaven if there is one.

We said our goodbyes.

Some people might laugh at this story and think, pshh it's just a dirty bird. There are thousands of them everywhere, what's the loss of one?

But this bird to me was special. He/she was hurting.
They were an innocent living thing that was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
This bird was one of God's precious creatures.
The bird symbolized life to me as well as being sensitive to life itself, even if that's in the form of a brown, cream and black bird.

I loved you, even for your last few hours.
I hope I helped you feel somewhat comforted.

emotional & spiritual spillage

Oh hello! it's June!

 

What happens when I don't blog for days? I spill my guts with thoughts that have been bouncing around. Be prepared for a long read.

I was sort of caught off guard last week when one of my caregivers asked me (I was talking about Crazy Love with her), "why do you get stressed or worried? I don't get how a person like you can get stressed or worried."

...(crickets)...WHAT!?

Just because I need care to get dressed, shower or toilet and have someone cook and do laundry for me doesn't mean my life is easy.

I don't get how she can think that. No one is immune to how life affects them. I always find myself, especially around here, my home, having feel the need to explain myself.

I didn't care to explain so much, but just gave her one example of why I stress or worry. It's mostly internal/self-conflict reasons that causes worry or stress.

Ever since reading Crazy Love, I've been trying to be more intentional with my time. I've been trying to put my trust in God and allow Him to help me with the worry or stress I carry. With how and when I pray and commune with God; "not just a 3 minute mumbled prayer" when i try to go to sleep.

God is so great. My eyes are filling up with tears at how wonderful He is. I am so blessed, even when I don't deserve such blessings, because I am always messing up. I am not an angel. My grandpa says with a chuckle, "alot of people, they are no angels."

I know grandpa. I know.

We won't ever be perfect here in this life, as Jesus is the only perfect Son, but we can attain to better ourselves and simply accept the grand love that God offers us.
Because of His grace, he loves me despite my flaws.
Because of His grace, he makes me into something beautiful.

God continues to show me blessings in my life.{allie, i love you! your friendship means so much to me}. They are treasures waiting to be found! I promise, if you look closely, they are there for you too! I am glad that at least my eyes are open enough to see some of them as I am sure I am oblivious to other ones (let's blame it on human selfish nature.)

Oh dear, I am quite emotional right now lol.

Because making lists is something I just do, here are a few things I want to write to help me of the beautiful things that I've been given. There is Jesus in so many parts of our day! What do you see?

+I am thankful that my mom is here with me. Here, meaning, alive and only an hour away. I am just glad that my mom is my mom. That she chose me, to have me, to love & want whatever makes me happy.

+I am thankful that my dad & stepmom came to hang out with me on sunday for almost three hours. My dad treated me with an iced vanilla coffee! yum.

+I am thankful that I have an appreciation for storytelling through film. Chila and I watched, Of Mice and Men yesterday on netflix and wow. I don't think I could handle reading the book. It's heartbreaking to see the bittersweet tragedy of loving someone so much even though you put them out of their misery (again, they not knowing.)
Maybe sometimes it's better to not be aware of how cruel the world can be?

+I am thankful for encountering the young pregnant lady who is choosing life. She had a really cute shirt on too.

+I am thankful to my grandparent's for going to get Perla's vaccines on such short notice, just so that they could bring their fur baby to come visit me every week. (rules)

and now for your listening pleasure, I leave you with Brandon Heath.
I LOOOOVEE this song!
I am on my way to download it. repeat is in its near future.

crazy about crazy love

You guys, I started reading a new book over the weekend that is punching me in the guts and making me stop in my tracks to examine my heart.

The book is called, Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

Earlier this year, this book was added to my list of books to eventually read!

Now, when you hear or in this case, read the title, Crazy Love what comes to mind? 
A. a wild romance
B. dating relationship gone wrong
C. a parent's love for their child/children

It's neither of the above but almost close to option C.

It's about God's immense love for us, his children and how he wants us to love him with all our heart, soul & mind. ((matt 22:37-38))

Me & my bff C decided to read it together. She has it on audio I believe. We both have read through chapter 5 (as of last night). It's insane! I love that we are reading this together to help keep each other accountable (something I am not good at alone!) and to spiritually grow with God's help, his grace.

Some people, even Christians may call the ideals in this book, radical, but Chan writes that God wants, deserves and demands our best. Not drawing near to God out of guilt, but out of genuine love.

From the back of the book, I quote, "Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working  harder at a list of do's and dont's-it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything."

WOW!

I've taken some notes from the chapters I've read so far. There is so much to digest. There is so much more I could share. I'll probably pick back up on chapter six tomorrow night.

In one of the chapters, we are reminded from Luke 18:27, "what is impossible with man is possible with God." Amen, right!?

Gosh, I LOVE that! Through God, all things that seem hopeless in our life don't have to be that way. With God, there IS hope, possibilities and opportunities!

Have you heard of Crazy Love? Have you read it or are you reading it? 

What do you think about it?

p.s. if you haven't, check out the current giveaway! :)

passion for fashion #1 & mini-view on beauty

Two purposes for today is share my passion for fashion and to address the topic of beauty. 

First, I am posting a fashion post on a friday because i want to..and because i felt motivated to really get dressed today and put some effort into my appearance. It's almost my first time linking up with Beth and Lena for Passion for Fashion Fridayyyy!! woot woot! a clap of hands all around everybody!

 I liked what Lena & Beth say that, "Fashion is for everyone. Whether you're single in the city or a stay at home mom from the country... we all have a passion for fashion!"

With fashion, we are most likely talking about the clothes, accessories, shoes we wear and that's great! What we decide to make or buy to wear is our choice and our choice alone. It's a choice that expresses our creativity, style, comfort and personality.

 I can't afford fancy, expensive designer brands, but might occasionally "splurge" on such brands IF i happen to see a good deal like a huge percentage of savings & free shipping or coupon codes! I am pretty content shopping clearance racks first then browsing around Target, Oldnavy, Ross, Forever21 or Walmart.

Everyone has a sense of fashion, their fashion and what they like. For me, when I get nicely dressed and put makeup on, I feel better and most of the time, feel beautiful. Let me take this moment to say that we are beautiful no matter what...you, me, us. Even if I don't feel like putting a stitch of makeup on and wear my capri yoga pants and a tee shirt, I am still beautiful.

I LOVE Ellie and her mission to empower women, young & old, by reminding them that self-love, self-respect and self-confidence makes you beautiful! Have you heard of Ellie? She's a wise beyond her years teenager who founded Speak Now.

We've all heard the cliche saying, "beauty counts more on the inside of a person." and to me, that is quite true. In my 30 years of existence, I've encountered more than a handful of people who were so beautiful on the exterior--what I thought they had perfect makeup, perfect hair, outfits so stylish and put together BUT their personalities and behaviors made them ugly. I actually felt bad for them.

It doesn't matter if you're a size 2 or size 22, each of us IS beautiful because we are loved SO much by our Creator! Our worth is not based on a number!! Our beauty speaks louder in the displays of kindness, love & service that we do. I am still learning to fully love myself despite being a size 18 jean with my budha belly as I call it lol. All I can do is live right now. Be in the now.

Sure, I do and can take baby steps toward being more healthy, just like with anything else, improvement takes times, but I can be present and embrace who I am now and still feel beautiful barefaced or dolled up intentionally. I will love myself today. Can't worry about tomorrow, nope. Though, i will then too :)

This is me today.

undershirt: downeast basics
shirt: ross
skirt: target
headband: gussy sews
earrings: gift