A Reminder for Women Everywhere

Today, women everywhere experience confidence issues with how they look. A lot of women live a large portion of their lives not recognizing their own beauty. When I saw this quote on Pinterest, I immediately wanted to write a post on it.

Some day, I'd love to have a daughter. There are days where I'm scared to death of the idea of becoming a Mom and then there's others when I'm filled with excitement and joy. Being a Mother is probably the most challenging commitment a woman will ever make. But also one of the most rewarding experiences she will ever have.

Obviously, I am not writing out of experience, but instead from the privilege of being raised by an amazing Mom. My mom is truly a remarkable person and she has raised and continues to raise my two sisters and I with the idea that we will become remarkable women.

Julia, Me & Anna

From the time that we were small, my Mom made it a point to teach us confidence. She taught us to how hold our heads high and how to own who we are. She made sure that we were strong enough to define beauty for ourselves and not let anyone do it for us. However, she also made it a point to teach us that physical appearance is not what truly makes a person beautiful.

She showed us beauty by example. She showed us the beauty in helping someone who can do nothing for you in return. She showed us the beauty in loving a person with your whole heart, unconditionally (love you Dad). She showed us the beauty in a simple smile. In a kind word. In a small gesture. My Mom emanates beauty in everything she does and is the most beautiful person I know.

Because of who she is, I was able to grow up comfortable in my own skin, and one day I want to give that gift to my own daughter. This quote really hit the nail on the head for me. The word pretty doesn't do justice to the daughter I am imagining because she will be so much more than pretty. She will be strong and funny and intelligent and so much more!

Women everywhere need to remember that they are so much more than just "pretty". Here are some reminders for the women out there who are selling themselves short with those five letters:

1. Smile at yourself every morning in the mirror because you deserve it. You are amazing and you should start out everyday acknowledging that. Own it!

2. Be bright! There is nothing uglier than a girl feigning unintelligence. The Lord gave you brains for a reason, use them!

3. Ignore your critics because people are always going to judge you. They are not worth your time. Their criticism stems from a dissatisfaction with their own lives. The only opinion that matters is your own.

4. "You can never be overdressed or overeducated" ~Oscar Wilde. Put on your best dress and a set of pearls if you're feeling down. Wear the bright pink pants. Life is too short to worry about what other people think about what you're wearing.