we are our own worst critics

I've been wanting to write today's post for weeks... but I knew I needed to be in the right mindset to sit down and lay my heart out there. Today, I'm feeling vulnerable and ready to share. Plus, I know most {if not all} of you reading feel this way at some point. Join in the conversation!

We are our own worst critics. It's true! Stand me in front of a mirror and I will list off everything I wish could be changed: I think my face is too fat, my thighs touch, my eyebrows have a mind of their own, I hate wearing glasses, my skin is covered in blemishes, I wish my arms were toned... and on and on.

So I'm taking a stand. I'm deliberately going to choose to focus on the good in me, rather than pick apart my flaws and weaknesses. I urge you to join me, if only for a day, just to take back some positivity!

Yeah, my legs aren't stick thin... but they are some damn strong legs if I can say so! I consistently have to set leg machines higher at the gym to get some resistance. My legs allow me to run all over at work, they allow me to run for exercise, and my calves are sexy to boot!

My skin is so sensitive and I'm allergic to just about everything under the sun. But you know what? It's part of my genetic makeup - my grandma is the same way - and I'm proud of that connection she and I have. It's not ideal {God knows I'd love to have my ears pierced!} but it gives me comfort in knowing my grandma is part of me.

I wish I could lose another 10 pounds. But my body is strong and healthy because I sty active and feed it tons of fruits and veggies - and when I do decide to splurge, thank goodness for the metabolism I have, because I don't usually pack on the pounds.

My patients at work consistently tell me how kind I am, how much patience I have, how I have a loving heart, and how I will make the most wonderful nurse. I am proud of who I have become! Adolescence wasn't the easiest for me {what, with being part of a broken family, with a mother who remarried a man I didn't get along with at the time, graduating early from high school, and being a college student at age 17} but I have come a LONG way and my conscience knows what's right and wrong and guilt tugs at my heartstrings if I stray from 'right'.

I may not look like the women we see in magazines. I may not be as tall as them, have long beautiful flowing hair like they do, have toned thighs, or have a perfectly slim {blemish free} face, but I am me. I am the only one of me. I am beautiful in my own way. I don't need to be photoshopped.

As women, we need to learn to love ourselves.
For our own sanity.
To be good role models for our daughters.
To set an example for all young women.
Because we deserve it.

Dove released a video 3 days ago that has been viewed over THREE MILLION times. It fits with my commentary so well that you've got to watch it. It only takes three minutes and is worth your time, I promise.


we are our own worst critics.
but we deserve better than our toxic thoughts.

What makes you beautiful? Please share below.

check this out!