Self-esteem is a struggle for me. I always compare my worst faults with the strengths of others. I sometimes focus on the parts of my body that could use a little work instead of seeing the beautiful things about myself. I shrug my shoulders when my husband tells me I'm cute. I feel as uneasy as I did in middle school! I should follow the advice my mom gave to me when I was 15. . ."Look in the mirror once in the morning, and then for the rest of the day smile and focus on others." Anyone else have any advice for me?
10 comments:
That was such a sweet clip! Why ARE we so hard on ourselves? Every time I look at a supermodel or celebrity on a magazine cover...I try to remember that she would wish for what I have--great family, loyal husband, real truth and knowledge of who I am...
nimmy, well if you only knew how many times i've coveted your voluminous curls, your sweetly freckled perfect complexion, your fun sense of style and your beautiful, unique almond shaped eyes...
you are a true beauty because you know how to make your soul radiate from the inside out. that is what is most intriguing about you. you shine. we all have it in us. we have to learn to trust who we are and somehow try and let it out.
xoxo.
Have you ever heard anyone criticize your kids? Have you ever had someone criticize something artistic you've work hard to create? It hurts, even when it's something like "the gravy's too salty." If someone told you your child was too short, too tall or too quiet wouldn't you feel defensive?
I heard recently that anytime we find fault with our bodies or features we are being critical towards God. If our problem is with something we can change (like our outlook, our attitude, our gray hair) we ought to try to change it. If we're obsessing about height, legs, fat fingers, etc. we are being ungrateful and judgmental of something God created uniquely for us, and gave us as a gift. I thought this was a good observation.
I'm as vain as the next woman, but I think concentrating on myself is a tool the devil can use to fill up my time, energy, and mind, and drain me of usefulness. Luckily I'm getting old enough that I'm supposed to look like I do.
I forgot to say how much I loved this! We can't let little girls grow up disliking themselves! Thanks for the post.
I always thought I had "extra" weight to lose. After I had a baby, I looked back at my pictures and was amazed at how slim I was, all the while I had wished to lose 10 more pounds. We are so hard on ourselves, but if we could see how we truly are, I think we'd be much more happy with our outward appearance. I also have always thought you were darling, both inside and out!
it is hard to not fall sway to the magazines, tv, movies etc...and we all do judge way to hard..but, when i look at someone else all i see is beauty...and character...and talents and you amy are soooo talented...it's amazing...thats what a true beauty is and we need to remind ourselves and each other often...
It's so hard not to be hard on ourselves. The world will always tell us we're not good enough. At some point, you just have to love what you see in the mirror. We are what we are. We are beautiful. We just need to stop looking for the bad stuff. Life is too short to spend it wishing we could be something or someone else.
P.S. I really do HATE my freckles. And that commercial makes me cry every time.
I have a very good friend who if you really looked at her she isn't very pretty..but she is always smiling and welcoming and I think she is beautiful..I always appreciate Nick's outlook on other peoples looks, because if he thinks they are nice, or interesting he also thinks they are pretty.. I also think one of the best gifts we can give our daughters in this mixed up world is by telling them how pretty they are when they smile or how creative they are when they do something crafty or just anything. I remember dad always told me I was pretty and I think I always thought I was and even though I got sick and older looking and had ugly hair and gained 40 pounds I still thought I was pretty cute....until I look in the mirror, then I jump with a little surprise that I'm not that cute anymore..oh well I have pictures and I was cute enough to snag Jim.
Hi Amy! I followed Missy's blog to yours! Anyway, I was running at lunch a couple of months ago and my route took me past a rest home where a frail old woman was standing outside with a walker. I smiled and said Hello as I passed and she looked at me and said, "I wish I could run like that..." and I thought to myself, I need to be more grateful for what my body can do and less what it looks like...
So, the next time I was at the pool lamenting some extra tummy poundage, I thanked my Heavenly Father for the strong arms and shoulders that can pull me through the water...
Your Heavenly Father has made you unique and beautiful to Him and divinely created for the mission He has for you.
Hi Nimmy--
I stumbled across your blog & thought you might be interested in joining the latest initiative for Dove's Campaign For Real Beauty, since i read on your post that you really appreciated the campaign. It would be great to have your genuine support for this positive, self-esteem message.
My name is Victoria, and we've been asked by Dove to help raise awareness for their self-esteem programs and to help find passionate and genuine real beauty advocates to be part of this online community of supporters.
If you’re interested, I would love to give you an ‘inside look’ at the Self Esteem Fund and Dove’s new initiative for girls, an online reality series designed to give teens a reality check on factors that can impact their self-esteem. This new initiative is the "Reality Diaries", focused on the real self-esteem struggles of four girls. If you know any young girls or teens, please share it with them: www.doverealitydiaries.com
To learn more about how to really get involved in supporting this message, as well as the Dove Self Esteem Fund, please be sure to visit www.rocketxl.com/dsef/assets.htm
Please let me know if you’re interested or would like to get involved in spreading this message. We would love to have your voice be included.
Thanks for your time,
Victoria
Rocket XL
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