Entry 4: A thought and more goals.

Entry 4: A thought and more goals.

My short thought of the day.  I want to share with you one of my favorite poems.  I’m sure you probably have already heard it but I believe it is worth a reminder.  I have this poem posted beside my desk at work.  As you read each line, stop and really think about what each line is saying.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

- by Marianne Williamson

…photoshoot, tan, wax, hair…

YES, did a photo shoot!  On the beach in a bathing suit!  To most of you that don’t know me, that’s not a big deal.  But for the ones that know me, you know that was a feat to overcome.  My entire life, I have hated putting myself into a bikini.  I have a lot of haters for not feeling comfortable in a bikini, I can hear the comments now, “oh, shut up Valaree you are so skinny, shut up”.  I know I’m not the only one that has heard these comments especially if you aren’t on the healthier side of life.  But what most don’t know or didn’t know about me, is the simple fact, like most women, I too was self-conscious of my body.  (I say “was” because I believe you have to own it before you believe it.)  For many reason, the main reasons are I have very small breast and you aren’t supposed to wear bikinis unless you have a voluptuous top half.  And then because, I have a rather large backside and because of my wonderful genetics from my father’s side of the family, I just happen to have stretch marks too!  So, no breast and a large ugly behind don’t mix in a bikini!  Well, that is before, I realized that life is WAY too short to worry about what others think about you.  I joined the gym and worked out and got myself comfortable in a bikini.  If you feel good and are healthy there is no reason for you to not feel comfortable in your own skin.  You are beautiful!!  The human body is a master piece.  We are different for a reason and just because you are designed uniquely, does not make you any less stunning then the next person.  Could you imagine if we looked just a like?  How boring would life be? I am ME, no chest and a big ol’ booty! Actually, I have to confuse, since, I have been working out I have lost some of my booty.  ;) So, I called a wonderful photographer out of Jacksonville, NC and asked him if he would do my pictures!  I worked on my tan all summer long.  I did spray tan for the first time in my life as well.  Let’s just say, it was interesting.  My poor toes came out completely orange and then I had these random spots of orang-ness all over my body.  Would I do it again? Probably.  After the tan was worked on, I did the bikini wax for the first time in my life as well!  I applaud all women that have put themselves through pure misery time and time again to have their bikini lines just right.  It HURT!  SO BAD!  However, people ask would I do it again, yes!  I actually would suggest it to all women.  Last but not least on today’s entry, hair.  I did get my hair done!  Something very simple to put on my goal list but nevertheless, it was completed.  To make a long story short, I have my pictures and I am so glad I step completely outside my comfort zone and experienced such a magical feeling of loving myself in my own skin.  I will put up just a few of my pictures to share with you.  If you are interested in having your picture taken, I can send you my photographer’s information!  Gotta get going, its power sculpt tonight!