Never have I ever… (flashback anyone?) been surrounded by so many strong, beautiful, and caring women as I am with the women of U Squad. These ladies are absolutely phenomenal, and I'm so blessed to already be building long-lasting friendships with them via the interwebs.
In an attempt to love ourselves deeper and learn to see ourselves through the eyes of Christ, we have implemented something called Fabulous Fridays within our special "U Squad women only" facebook group. Each Friday we will name something about ourselves that is fabulous, to bring focus to our assets as opposed to our flaws.
It's beautiful watching all of us come together and rejoice in our strengths. From loving our eyes, to our voices, to our positivity, we can finally come together and celebrate the traits that make us who we are. I am so excited!
Throughout my entire life I've struggled with my relationship with food. I've used eating as a coping mechanism for stressful situations, and allowed my health to plummet in the meantime. Since about third grade I've been categorized as "husky" or "overweight", and my self-confidence has taken a beating as a result. I've always felt like I didn't quite fit in. Never being able to borrow my friends' jeans or even be able to shop in the same stores – all of that takes a toll on a girl, even when she puts on a smile and pretends it doesn't phase her.
I've been working on my health and have lost 30 pounds in the last six months. It's definitely a huge step in the right direction, and I'm really glad I'm finally taking care of myself. However, I still have a lot of insecurities, as most people do, and I don't always think I'm valuable or worthy of love. Lately I have recognized in myself a huge lack of compassion. Which is strange, because most people I know consider me to be extremely compassionate. But I've learned that my compassion for others (and myself) is very conditional. I will love someone if they look a certain way or make me laugh or don't annoy me, etc. And I've noticed that I treat myself the same way: "I'll love my body when I get down to X size." I don't know if it's our twisted society or what, but I want to be better than that. I want to love others for who they are, not who they could be. And I desperately want to feel the same way about myself.
So tonight, I'm taking a stand, and I'm going to wear a tank top. Sounds minor, but it's a big deal for me. I hate my arms and always have. I want to actively pursue a love with myself that is unconditional. I AM BEAUTIFUL. The way I look in this moment, I am beautiful. And so are you!
In what ways do you limit your love for yourself and/or others? Start a "Fabulous Friday" of your own to celebrate all the things that make you beautiful.
