Somewhere along the way, I think we have forgotten how to be women. Since when did we allow and become ok with phrases like "You hit like a girl" and "You cry like a girl." Really? Last time I checked women are supposed to embrace femininity, softness and grace. Why are those things considered negative by society? What are we teaching our daughters about who and how they were created? We are raising the next generation of women, let's teach them to love in such a way that allows them to overflow to others.
Teach them how to love, so that it overflows to others.
You must first love yourself before you love others. Teach little girls how to love. They will grow up to love others in the way you did.
I challenge you to reconnect with the girl inside. The girl who believes in herself, the girl with the big heart, the girl who still loves to look beautiful.
The very essence of my business and who I am is all about helping women find their identity. Some of the most impacting quotes I use come from the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge:
"We think you'll find that every woman in her heart of hearts longs for three things: to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to unveil beauty. That's what makes a woman come alive."
"We desire to posses a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil."
"A woman is a warrior too. But she is meant to be a warrior in a uniquely feminine way. Sometime before the sorrows of life did their best to kill it in us, most young women wanted to be a part of something grand, something important."
This is gold.
I feel an outpouring of emotion when I read these words. It hits home. There is so much truth here, it gives me inspiration and passion to do what I do. My purpose is to show women their identity and teach them how beautiful they truly are both inside and out. It doesn't matter if you are single, a wife, a mom, a professional, you were a daughter first. You were small but joyful, you grew up, began your own life and this life has been tough. We all began with the belief that our lives would be the exception to heartbreak and had no idea our dreams, in time, would fade into a glory-wrecked journey to find out who we are. Do not allow these years to disappear without appreciating who you are right now and all you have learned in getting here. I want you to be empowered to embrace who you are today, regardless of your weight, your hair, fine lines, tired circles under the eyes or life situations. I challenge you today to accept where you are as being a good place. Your fight to get here was worth something and who you've become in the process is worth more than rubies. You are the only one who can fill your role, you are good and valuable, beautiful and lovely.