Filling Up at the True Source

27 Days to a Healthy Body Image: Day 25

I've written about my need to feel love before-- my need for attention, approval, and affection.  I think that is a universal human quest.  We seek love from our family members.  Approval from the general world in the form of "likes" on our status updates and comments on our posts.

I was asked once why I do so much to please others.  I searched for the answer... Yes, I do it because I love others.  Yes, I do things because I enjoy them.  But sometimes (more often than it should be) I do things to the point of "perfection" not just so I will enjoy the result or receive praise, but so I will avoid criticism.  Am I so insecure in my own worth that a little criticism will tear me to pieces?  Sometimes, yes.

When we find the true source of happiness, joy and love, the need to receive the praise of [fill in the blank] diminishes.  But where is the real source of happiness, love, approval, attention and affection?

The apostle Paul speaks of charity as the pure love of Christ which "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Charity never faileth." (1 Corinthians 13:7,8)  The ancient prophet Mormon further encourages us to "pray with all the energy of heart" that we might be filled with this love.

I had a breakthrough moment a week ago when I realized that I didn't just need to pray to be filled with charity for others, but that I NEED to be filled with Christ's love FOR ME!  Jesus Christ's love for me (and YOU) endures all things, bears all things, and NEVER FAILS!

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, by Carl Bloch

The true source of love, attention and approval is available 27-7, ready to share His infinite love.  When I remember to tap into His love for me, the criticism fades, the disquiet is subdued and I recognize my true beauty.  An inner confidence comes from the knowledge of being loved, cherished and watched over by my own Savior and Heavenly Father.   A power enables me to move forward despite the critic (me).

There are few things more beautiful than a woman who knows she is a Beloved Daughter of an Ever Loving Father and shares His love with those around her.

Today, seek for and share Jesus Christ's love.

Laugh, Smile, Sweat : Zumba Style

27 Days to a Healthy Body Image Day 9

If you know me and have been to a public place with me, you have probably been embarrassed by my dancing "moves" at least once.  (My husband has informed me that a public place is not a necessary condition for embarrassment to occur.)  But I dance anyway.

Now you can join me:)  Here are some of the very best of our A.F. East Exercise class "Zumba" dances.  Have fun with them!

Laugh; Smile; Sweat!

When you want to let off a little steam: Prrrum

When you need to remember that you are beautiful: Sexy And I Know it

When you need to laugh at yourself: Gangnam Style

 Need more fun?  More workouts can be found

on my youtube channel

These ladies in the video are TOUGH.  We filmed after a full hour's workout! Thanks a ton Sonya, Chalice, Becky, Adrienne, Allison, & Carol!!!

(The video quality is a little off right now. We will be fixing that:)

Pucker Up Ladies

Have you chosen your Neuro-Associative action yet?  I thought all day yesterday before deciding what to do.  What do I do when I am feeling beautiful that I can use to help me feel beautiful all the time?

When I am feeling confident I put on make-up.  I pucker up and put on some luscious lipstick.  Blink my eyes and put on mascara.  Pluck out a couple of stray eye brows (ouch).  Primp in front of the mirror.  Pucker Up.  That is inconspicuous, easy to remember, and something I do almost everyday (lip stick or chap stick or even kissing).

Lips pursed;  I am beautiful! (repeat)

What did you choose?



Photo Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/vblibrary/4621475915"http://photopin.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/