I’m beYOUtiful!

A few weeks ago I saw hiya papaya post their BeYOUtiful campaign on facebook. The winner gets photo shoot (and let me tell you anyone would KILL to have a photo shoot from these gals!). The entries had to be a fill in the blank sentence beginning with “I am beautiful because______”. I was so excited about such a brilliant idea that the hiya papaya girls came up with (they are so inspired). So I began my sentence. And I couldn’t finish it. For two weeks I tried and I failed to fill in the blank. Then something miraculous happened (which I will tell soon). I submitted my entry and was chosen as a finalist! (Go to this post HERE to vote for you favorite! If I win I am giving the photo shoot to my sister-in-law, Becky, who is going through treatments for breast cancer, and I want the photo shoot to document how beautiful she is even through such a trying time in her life. By the way, she is so gorgeous even without her hair!!).

So before I tell you my beYOUtiful story, here is my entry photo:

The day before the deadline for the beYOUtiful entry I approached my husband. I asked him why I am beautiful. Before he answered he asked me why I needed to know. I explained the campaign and my struggle. And then cried a little, sniff, sniff. My sweet husband reminded me of an activity that we did for Family Home Evening years ago. We both wrote down characteristics and traits that we saw in each other that were our gifts or talents. I have kept what he wrote in my scriptures all these years, and I do read it often.

Later than afternoon I had a quite moment to myself. I sat at the piano and played some music, read my ‘list’ and had what I consider a spiritual experience. After going through my list about ten times I began to feel beautiful because of who I am now. And the best part was I knew that because of who I am now I can become greater, more beautiful if I cultivate my talents and gifts. I can be more patient, more kind, more loving, more generous, more musical, more understanding etc., etc. My progression doesn’t stop here. My list is private between my husband and I, so I am not revealing everything, but it’s what’s on ‘the list’ and more that makes me feel beautiful. Not fancy clothes, not high-end makeup, not trendy jewelry or shoes, and definitely not being skinny (although I’m working on that). It is what is on the inside.

Thanks a million to hiya papaya and my inspired husband for reminding me that I am beautiful.

GO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY! Like now. Go, go, go…what are you waiting for?

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