"She is more precious than rubies"

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." --Proverbs 31:10

Beautiful Monday here I come.

I had a great talk with some friends today.  I asked them how they felt their self-image was, and how they got to the point they are now.  

I came away from our discussion resolved to do BETTER.  I was shown through these women's testimonies how strong and amazing humans are.

We all have our life journeys. It was good for me to hear these women talk about their struggles and insecurities, and what they do every single day to combat them.  

I want to share a couple of the thoughts:

1.  One woman shared how she realized that pornography and other sexual images don't just 'affect' men, but have a VERY negative affect on women as well.  She talked about how just as she would hope her husband wouldn't look at those kind of things, she now turns the other way as well.  I think sometimes as women we tell ourselves that seeing sexual images/media only hurts men, but it affects us just as much.  Our spirits can't see something like that and not have it do something.  I thought about this in my own life: there is sexual media ALL AROUND ME.  But I CAN choose to not focus on it, or watch it, or read it, and I CAN turn away.

2.  Another woman bore testimony of how important prayer had been in her journey.  She described some difficult things, and talked about how talking to her Heavenly Father had been her saving grace.  She described not only praying in the morning or evenings, but all throughout the day. She would drop to her knees and plead with Him to help strengthen her.  

3.  Someone shared how they had decided to teach themselves about nutrition and the power of food for our bodies.  She said she felt empowered learning about good foods, and how they help our bodies be healthy and strong. She said she had to learn that when one is eating good foods and exercising, we must learn to be happy with the product.  

4. We talked about how beautiful people SHINE because of their virtue and purity.  This talk by Elaine Dalton was brought up. https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-women-meeting/2012/03/now-is-the-time-to-arise-and-shine?lang=eng&query=shine

It is an amazing message, but she shares: "I wish every young woman assembled here tonight would know and understand that your beauty—your “shine”—does not lie in makeup, gooey cream, or the latest clothing or hairstyles. It lies in your personal purity. When you live the standards and qualify for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, you can have a powerful impact in the world. Your example, even the light in your eyes, will influence others who see your “shine,” and they will want to be like you. Where do you get this light? The Lord is the light, “and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.”⁸ A divine light comes into your eyes and countenances when you draw close to your Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. That’s how we get the “shiney”! And besides, as all of you can see, the “shiney cream” didn’t really work on my wrinkles anyway!"

The truly beautiful people in our life are those who are SHINING.  Literally shining. 

5.  We talked about how hard it is to really take all of this to heart.  We all shared examples from our lives in which things were done or said that were heart breaking.  We all expressed desire to help raise our children so that they know who they are, and they understand their worth.  As one woman shared about her mother, "She just truly understood that she was a daughter of God."  

Last week I challenged us all to stop the negative talk.  For me, I think it actually made a difference. When I would see myself in the mirror, instead of looking at a body part in disgust, I would instantly replace it with: "I have a beautiful smile."  I found myself being happy that I can smile and be happy. :)

This week I want to challenge us with this strategy: 

Think Nice Thoughts Instead: Research has found that girls who feel good about themselves, regardless of their weight, are more likely to be physically active and eat healthy. They are less likely to gain unnecessary weight and they make healthy lifestyle choices way into the future. Remember that what we THINK about our bodies has a strong connection to how we TREAT our bodies.

Like last week, I want to replace my negative thoughts with positive ones.  When I start comparing, or feeling down, I will think the thought "I am grateful my body does this: or, I love that my body allows me to do this:   "  I will treat my body with love and respect, by feeding it good foods, working my heart and getting good sleep. 

Finally: I want to share another role-model of mine.  I think this woman is one of the most beautiful, radiant person ever.  

Marjorie Hinckley was the wife of President Gordon B. Hinckley of the Latter-day Saint church.  She is an amazing example of wisdom, love, service and beauty to me.  When I think of the person I want to to turn out to be, I think of her.  

Two of my favorite quotes by her:

“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.” -Marjorie Hinckley

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow what a ride!" -Marjorie Hinckley

Happy Monday!