I just finished reading this book German gave me for Mother's day. It's not an amazing life-altering book, but it helped me meditate and feel God's love. For the first time, I was reading a book as a mother of two girls. I felt the weight of my great responsibility to teach them how much God loves and values them no matter what. That their worth is infinite and not based on how they look or how thin they are or what they do or don't accomplish in this life. I don't want them to hear me stress over my body image, which could lead them to someday worry about their own. I think German bought me the book because I've been wanting to shed this extra 20 pounds of baby weight I've been carrying around. In reading this book, I've been asking myself "Why is that SO important to me? Will I be more beautiful or happier with myself if I lose the weight? Will my husband and others love or value me more? Why am I being so hard on myself sometimes?"I have honestly never been happier in my entire life...I absolutely love being a mother! I feel blessed in so many ways. I want to cherish and enjoy every moment with my husband and girls. How can I let Satan creep in and try to bring me down by leading me to believe that I can't be happy until I lose those 20 pounds? Don't get me wrong, I know it is important to eat healthy foods and exercise. But I want to do it for the right reasons. I want to take care of this gift of a mortal body that God has given me. Not just so I will lose weight and look better in my clothes.
In the end of the book she quotes President Hinckley which reads,
"I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to acheive. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass."
Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts with all of you beautiful girls (and guys) out there! My goal is to follow President Hinckley's advice and just try to be a little better. I'll start with eating a little less chocolate! I'd love to be able to run a marathon, but for right now I am going to do what I can do the best way I know. And who knows maybe someday running a marathon will be within my capacity to acheive. Thanks, German, for getting me this book and for being so loving and encouraging.
7 comments:
Those girls sure are getting big! They are darling. We need to get together again. Love you guys and miss you. Can't wait to see those girls again!
There is no way you have 20 pounds to loose. You look fantastic! I read Running with Angels by Pamela Hanson recently and enjoyed it as well.
Your girls are so cute. We need to get together so I can see them in person!
I love this post, is great to know somebody else feel the same way I do, thank you for being so honest.
I agree with you, your girls are the biggest reason to be the happiest mom on earth.
Is interesting how things change once you are a mom, I have to say I do miss my pre-baby body, but every time I look at my Dallin he is worth every extra pound and more(and he was just ONE baby!)
by the way a marathon is in my 100 things to do before I die, if you wait we can run that together, we have time!
Awesome post Sara. It is amazing how much little children (especially girls) want to be just like their mother. They are like little sponges. There is no greater gift to give them than the example of an optimistic, righteous woman with a strong sense of her divinity. You are no doubt this for your daughters.
I have to remind myself daily to speak (and think!)positively about myself and those around me. Thanks for the reminder to do this!
I loved this post. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this subject. It is really, really important especially for those of us who have daughters. So I take it you recommend the book? I've heard of it--my sister read the first one by her and I read part of it too. I'll have to get this one. I think you are beautiful and wise. Thanks for sharing this!!
such a cute picture! you are awesome and a great mom to the girls -- don't forget that!
I'll have to get this book. Thanks for the reminders. Very true. You look beautiful - can't see those 20 pounds you're talking about! I'd like to run marathon someday. Maybe we can run SLC marathon together sometime. Thanks for your post.
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