#TheKJWomanIsGood // Build Your Beautiful

#TheKJWomanIsGood // Build Your Beautiful - Kortni Jeane

Hi there, my name is Aly.  I'm 24 years old and I live in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I'm a recreational therapist, lover of chocolate, and a self-love enthusiast.  I help others build a positive self-image through wellness of the mind, body, and spirit over on my blog, Build Your Beautiful.  I've been thrilled to work with Kortni Jeane because (1) I love her cute swimmers and (2) I appreciate that she promotes self-love and self-acceptance.  Loving yourself isn't optional, it's essential!

"DANG I look good!"

A phrase I used to say to myself until my teenage years.  I phrase I quit saying once I started believing that I was not good enough.

I worked out not to feel good, but to fit into Hollywood's ideal pant size.  I wore makeup not because I felt beautiful wearing it, but because I was afraid people would think I wasn't put together if I didn't.  I was afraid of other's thoughts of me and I would do anything to impress them.

The truth is, the others loved me all along.  I was the one who struggled to think positively about myself; I was the one who struggled to find the beauty in my being.  I believe we accept the love we think we deserve, and because I felt that I didn't deserve any love, I didn't accept any love.

Sometimes we believe we are made of numbers-- the pounds on the scale, the likes on a photo, the size of the pants, the percentage on a test, the price tags on clothes.  We are not made of numbers, we are made of joy, wisdom, and laughter.  We are made of memories, courage, and love!  We are SO MUCH MORE than numbers!

It's okay that my body has gotten bigger as I've become healthier.  I forced it to be too small for too long!  More thigh space does not equate to more peace.  What leads to more peace and a positive body image is believing your body IS good, no matter what it looks like on the outside.  

Ellen Degeneres once said,“To me beauty is being comfortable in your own skin. It's about knowing and accepting who you are.”  I could not agree more!  Sometimes it's difficult to feel comfortable in our own skin.  Sometimes it's difficult to know and accept who we are.  I've been through this before and chances are I'll go through it again.  That's okay!  Here are some tips that have helped me to discover and love who I am:

  1. You are a sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with.  Who are you surrounding yourself with?  Are you "following" people on Instagram and Facebook who leave you feeling inspired, loved, and beautiful?  Are you interacting with people who encourage you to become the best version of yourself?  If not, start now!

  2. You body hears everything your mind says.  Whenever I think a negative thought about myself I quickly turn the tables and name three things I love about myself!  These can be physical, mental, or spiritual compliments.

  3. Feeling healthy and good about yourself isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.  Take time to do the things that help you feel your best!  For me, this is cooking nutritious meals, exercising daily, and making sure I get enough sleep. 

I believe we are each uniquely designed exactly how we are supposed to be.  You, just as much as anybody else, deserve the unfailing love you hold.  Knowing you can still improve doesn't take away from the incredible progress you've already made.  Owning who you are and loving yourself through the process is incredibly courageous. Right now, you have within you everything you will ever need to conquer this world.  Stand up, show up, and never give up.  YOU hold the power!

xoxo,

Aly

 

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