Stop Trying So Hard

So lately this topic has been laying heavy on my heart. The fact that women in my generation are so obsessed with the fact that they have to be a perfect size, have a perfect personality, and enjoy all the things a "perfect" girl would. Colbie Calliat, in 2014. released a song called, "Try," which put emphasis on the idea that women don't have to fit the "perfect" mold that society seems to call for these days. It was one of the most inspiring songs I have ever heard, and when the world gets to me I listen to it as a quick reminder that I don't have to try so hard for anyone. The simple fact is if I want to wear makeup I do it for me, not for anyone else. The picture below is a picture I had someone take of me a sisterhood event, while I was running a 101-degree fever, not wearing any makeup, and had only eaten Chicken Noodle Soup and saltine crackers that day. This picture is me real, raw and exposed.

The simple fact is that God made all things perfect. You are the perfect version of you, not anyone else. You shouldn't compare yourself to Susie Q because Susie Q isn't you. Even identical twins have slight differences that make them unique and perfect in their own way. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, "Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." There is not importance in the outward appearance in God's eyes. A person can be the most beautiful person in the eyes of the world, but to the Lord, they could be considered uglier than dirt. Lately, that has been my focus as I go day to day living in a house full of great, beautiful girls. I have started to aim to admire someone else's beauty without questioning my own. I have found that not only do I have a better attitude towards myself and my appearance, but I also have a more positive attitude. Once I stopped making working out a chore and decided to do it because I actually really enjoy running, I found that I am in better shape than I have been in since high school.

In the end, the only thing that matters is the fact that you were beautiful on the inside. Yes, being pretty is cool and exciting, but taking care of your body, and your mind is even greater than that. So be brave, be cool, and be the best version of yourself that you can be, because everyone else is taken.

You don't need beauty to be successful.

Today, March 8, 2016, is International Women’s day. Women all over the world are making strides to aid the rights of women, but lately, I have noticed that the women that we idolize are not the women using their brain, and going on the front lines of battle. The people that our girls are idolizing are women such as the Kardashians. Now, I like the show that they have just as much as the next girl, but I don’t think Kim Kardashian is a good role model. Just the other day she put a post on her social media saying, “When you’re like I have nothing to wear LOL.” As the caption and the picture was her nude with sensor bars over two spots of her body. This post screams out to me that she wants people to find her worth in her body, instead of her brain or abilities, and this is the absolute wrong message. To be a successful woman you do not have to sell yourself to the media, you don’t have to compromise your beliefs and values. So in honor of International Women’s Day, I decided to share with you some women that I think are great examples of the right way to be successful women, and women that are worth admiring.

 Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner

“Argentina’s first elected female President, Fernandez de Kirchner presides over the government of the second-largest country in South America, and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. President Kirchner serves as an example to women everywhere that they have the ability to lead a nation through hard times and political turmoil, as well as through economic growth and sensitive diplomatic relations.”

Angelina Jolie

“A star of stage and screen, Angelina Jolie is perhaps most influential in her role as a UN High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador, advocating on behalf of refugees around the world. Angelina is an example of using the influence one has gained through Hollywood to draw attention to the needs of those in less-fortunate circumstances. While others may talk about world issues, Angelina puts rubber to the road. Not only does she directly impact the communities in which she works, but she inspires others to get actively involved as well.”

 Barbara Walters

“When it comes to news and special reports, no other woman is better recognized than Barbara Walters, a fixture on American television doing work on The View, Today, 20/20, ABC Evening News, and more recently ABC World News Tonight. Barbara was the first woman to be named co-anchor of a network evening news program, paving the way for future female journalists. Currently, Barbara Walters co-hosts the all-women panel of The View, which she describes as a place for women of “different generations, backgrounds, and views.” The show has enjoyed enormous success, albeit with a dose of controversy, and provides a forum for women to discuss the world from their point of view.”

J.K. Rowling

“Taking inspiration from real events in her own life, including her school days, the death of her mother, and struggles in her personal and professional life, JK Rowling was inspired to write the story of Harry Potter, a young boy growing up under difficult circumstances who suddenly finds himself being invited to attend a magical school. The succeeding books (7 total) have become some of the most beloved and successful (and controversial) in the world –- she is the first person in the world to become a billionaire (in US dollars) just from authoring books. Since becoming so wealthy, Rowling has donated funds to several different charities, especially in the areas of poverty and multiple sclerosis (the disease from which her mother died). Her contributions, as well as her volunteer work, have been an example to millions of young readers.”

 Nancy Brinker

“The sister of a breast cancer victim, Nancy Brinker founded and organized “Race for the Cure” and the Susan G. Komen Foundation (named for her sister), and rallied more than 1,000,000 supporters from around the world. Breast cancer mortality rates have decreased significantly as a result of her work. In 2007, she was appointed Chief of Protocol of the United States, a role in which she advises, assists, and supports the administration of the US on official matters of diplomatic procedure. She herself is a breast cancer survivor, and continues to serve on the board of the Foundation she established”

These are just a few women of the many thousands that work to make a difference in our society every single day. Yes the Kardashians are great entertainment, and I’m sure they do very well for themselves, but in my opinion, these women are the real ones running the show!

Happy International Women’s Day!

New Beginnings

Sometimes we choose to start over. We choose a new job, a new city, or maybe a new wardrobe. Recently I embarked on a new journey in my life. I call it the “Following God’s Perfect Plan.” I have lost some people already, but you know some people are only meant to be in our life for a short time, I guess, I’m really not sure. It isn’t my plan remember? God’s plan is hard to follow, but the key is to not only pray for Him to guide you in the way that He wants you to grow, but for Him to give you peace with it too.

So I bet some of you are thinking, how are you saying goodbye to people close to you and having peace with it? Let me clear that up. Like I said, some people are meant to be in your life for a certain phase, and others are meant to be in your life for the long run. The ones I am losing God didn’t plan to be in my life for the long run. When you realize and accept that God has your best interest in mind, and that He will not lead you in the wrong way, it is very easy to let go. It is almost liberating honestly. You let go, and then you just feel at peace, because once again God’s plan.

Others might be wondering what His plan is for me. That is the best part of it all, I don’t know!! I am having faith in Him, letting Him lead me blind step by step. I really think that everyone should do this. Not just because as Christians we are called to follow, listen, and communicate with Him, but because it is exhilarating! I wake up every morning, take my shower and just think of all the awesome things God might have planned for me that day. I get giddy just thinking about it! Who will He have me meet? Will I have a chance to impact them in some way? Will someone have a great impact on me that day? Or maybe I will just be prepared for a pop quiz and He will bless me with the wisdom and knowledge to pass it! The possibilities are absolutely endless, and for a person that is an hour by hour planner, having a little spontaneity in my life doesn’t hurt at all.  

I would say the hardest part about all of this process would be to not doubt Him. If you are called to do something, don’t ask if He is sure, because I promise you He is. If you are going to live your life in pursuit of God’s plan you must have complete faith in Him, which means no doubting! I would say the second hardest part is how to know if God is asking me to do a particular thing, or not. Which I have found if I pray for a completely obvious, smack in the head of, “Lex do this!” He will give it to me! It is amazing that if you just ask for something, the way He answers you! I challenge every single one of you to listen to God every day. There is this song that my dad used to sing to me when I was little called Today Is Mine, by Jeremy Reed. Today and every day is yours, but remember it is also God’s day too.