Real beauty in all of us

I finally watched Dove's next "Real Beauty" campaign video as it relates to the FBI sketch artist drawing women as they describe themselves and how others describe them.  WOW, powerful and with it came a powerful message: we are all beautiful.

Let's be honest as women we are our own worst critics.  We tend to fret and obsess over how we look and compare ourselves to others.  And I am no different.  I wish my stomach was smaller, my face less round, my shoulders not soo wide (I think I look like a line backer) and on and

on... Oh and that I actually had a behind...I don't it's flat.

But I love the message Dove is conveying in their latest installment.  We are beautiful. Each of us. And we're unique and original as it should be. (here's the link:  http://youtu.be/XpaOjMXyJGk)

As I sat and watched it, I couldn't help think of my own girls and they're beauty.  I like to think they got the best parts of Tim and I! Right now they have no concept of imperfections...their happy and embrace who they are.  My goal, reinforced by the Dove campaign, is to to strive to have them be just that: be happy with who they are. But I know it starts with me...b/c as their mother they watch me and learn from me. And I'm sure listen to me complain about my outfits or my body or my face, or my....etc!

BUT I'll never be perfect. No one is. So take the pledge with me and say to yourself each and everyday: I am beautiful. Period.

Good will prevail...

Like most yesterday I read and watched in shock what unfolded in Boston and what's now being called an "act of terrorism."  I didn't know anyone personally there but yet I felt a sense of kinship with them b/c one it was the U.S. and for two I'm a runner.  Okay, jogger really...but I know that sense of accomplishment of preparing for a race and wanting to cross the finish line as a symbol of "I did it!"

All of that was changed when two bombs exploded near the finish line within seconds of each other.  Who would do this and why?  Innocent people looking at that line thankful that they made it and did their very best.  Spectators watching their friends, family and complete strangers run 26.2 miles for a personal goal and out of pure enjoyment.

As I sat last night watching Dora the Explorer with my 5 and 2 year olds I was grateful that they were oblivious to the evil...even if for a just a bit longer.  They still believe in a good world and one where evil doesn't exist. As Hannah and Caroline danced around to the songs and laughed with ease at the story, I became more resolute than ever to show them that the World is, in fact, a good place.  Yes, there is darkness in it but Good outweighs...

And as a Nation we come together to help and heal...and through it Good will shine on. In Boston. In Toledo, Ohio and all places throughout these United States of America.

Happiness is a choice...

It's been awhile since I last wrote an update....life moves and sometimes there's too much to keep up with.

Yes, that's mostly true for me but I've also been on a journey of self discovery over the last few months and I'm thankful for it.  At the time when I began I wasn't so thankful but today I am more than I can really write.

You see in November I had a panic attack so severe that it sent me into a spiral...down...into darkness.  I had to pull myself up and out but during that process I realized that it wasn't only about pulling myself out of that panic and anxiety but it was about learning who I am. Today.

And who I wanted to be moving forward.

My motto for most of life has been: Life is a Journey. Not a Destination.  And I believe that more than ever.  There are peaks, valleys and thunderous caves throughout it.  But for all the scrapes, bruises and brokeness we may have, there is also sun, laughter and happiness....So I wear my battle scars proudly today b/c it's part of me and who I am...It's my story.

Throughout the last five months, I've come to many realities about my life.....and one of the "biggest" is that happiness isn't a given in life. It's a choice.  And we have to work to be happy with who we are and the lives we have chosen.

For so long I used to thing I deserve happiness like everyone else but now I realize and believe that it's a choice we make each and everyday.  And no I'm not Miss PollyAnna everyday and happy go-lucky.  Like most people I have my good and bad days...but I realize that by choosing to be happier more and more, even on the not so good days, that my life is more meaningful and I embrace my Faith in God and my relationships with others better, deeper.

And I'm grateful for that.  Life will continue to ebb and flow like it's supposed to and however it unfolds, I'm choosing happiness....what about you?