Things I learned today

This morning I learned:

When you try to be an extreme, you will get exhausted in time and will revert to the other extreme. Never back to moderation. Moderation takes effort but is easily maintained.

Happiness is not something you buy in advance. It is something you work at every single day of existence.

Sherry

Amazing Peom

THE MAN IN THE GLASS

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Who judgement upon you must pass;
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people may think your a straight-shootin' chum
And call you a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life
And get pats on your back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Peter "Dale" Wimbrow Sr.
also
copywritten in 1994 for the International World of Poetry contest
Honorable Mention Award
Jacqui Avila-Bell

Inpsirational People

Life has been difficult lately, but there have been a few people in the media who have brought me some light and hope, and inspiration. The three that I want to mention are.

1. Nick Carter. Nick is an inspiration for me because of how he has turned his life around in the last few years. He has battled addictions that I am sure are very hard to manage while being in his profession. I have noticed even from just videos (because sadly that is all I have to go from) that there is a light that has been relit in him. It is clear to see that a heavy burden has been lifted and that he has a lot of hope for his future. He has inspired me to also look forward with hope for my future. Doing this causes me to smile, which I believe is the most beautiful accessory that I can wear.

2. Jeremy Gillitzer. The story of this man's life is tragic, but a good example of what happens when an eating disorder takes over your life. I had a roommate die after a long struggle with anorexia, and Jeremy Gillitzer's story is not so different. Here is his blog that you can read. http://jeremygillitzer.blogspot.com/ This is also a good video. v=zIFAoRU1veo&feature=related://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIPVkS-ie2A He died at 66 pounds.

3. Whitney Thompson is also an inspiration for me. She is a voice in the modelling industry for normal sized women who are categorized as "plus". She won America's Top Model a few years ago. Here is a video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCFj01eFdd4

New beginnings.

With the close of 2010, my mind is thrown into reflection over what I have accomplished this year and what I plan to accomplish in 2011. I don't know about the rest of the world, but Christmas is not an easy time for me. I have grown and changed so much since I left home and then I am thrown back into my old world, where old pains, annoyances and frustrations can resurface. I adore my family, don't get me wrong, but it is not always easy.

Secondly, I have to face junk food galore and frankly, I don't feel too pretty after I have eaten a load of Christmas baking.

Despite all of the difficulties, my brother and I had a good little heart to heart where he told me that "you" are not a fat or a skinny person. "You" is "You". People love you for who YOU are. Sure, strangers will treat you differently according to your appearance, but the people who really care will love you all the same.

I think about my mother who I love soooo much. I couldn't care less if she gains or looses 20 lbs. However, with that being said, she is happier when she is treating herself good. I am happier when I treating myself good.

So, this year is not about loosing weight. Sure, loosing weight would be nice, but what really matters is that I feel comfortable in my own skin. This will come as I work hard to treat myself as I would treat someone else. You would not see me shoving chocolate down a child's throat. That would be abuse. Why do it to yourself? You are a child of God and you deserve the best!

Once upon a time Josh and I wrote a song...

Postings

How to look and feel lovely.

So, today I was contemplating what it means to be modest. As always, I was led to the words of the prophets and found a great quote by the beloved Pres. Hinckley. He says, "I do not hesitate to say that you can be attractive without being immodest. You can be refreshing and buoyant and beautiful in your dress and in your behavior. Your appeal to others will come of your personality, which is the sum of your individual characteristics." This message is quite the opposite of what many hollywood stars and magazines, advertisement and even many men are sending to us. I am confident in saying that you do not need to reveal your body to be beautiful. As I once told my girls when I was a counselor at EFY. "If you want a boy to listen to you, be modest. Either he will be looking at your body, or trying not to. Both of which are a strong distraction from listening to what you have to say." I am still on my journey to not feeling like my body is how I get approval and attention, because I admit that I have believed that for most of my life. Change takes time and I am working towards not using my body as a tool to get approval and attention. That was not God's purpose in giving it to me. So if the purpose of the body is not to gain approval and attention, what then is it's purpose? I will leave that to you to search for yourself. For real girls, modesty makes you look pretty. Besides, tell me those swimsuites are not way cute. I want the wicked cany cane one! If you click on the title of this post you will go to the website where I found these pics. It is so good. Trust me.