What I love about myself: my soulful sensitivity that pains over injustices, and my incessant rebelliousness that becomes revved to fight against them.
My biggest challenge in accepting my body and beauty: is feeling as if my body betrays me when it is not as strong as I’d like it to be – when it becomes easily fatigued climbing a mountain or anxious at the prospect of revealing my wholeness. I vigilantly fight against internalizing my body’s limitations and constantly reassure myself that there is beauty even in weakness.
My biggest support in learning to appreciate myself: My husband, my lover, my pro-bono pyschiatrist who daily affirms that I am strong, stunning, and only slightly insane.
Beauty is: Awe for the Creator and the miracle of her creation.
Why I am strong: Because my vulnerability leads me towards a more receptive heart and a more compassionate mind towards all of humanity.
Why I am beautiful: Other than my fantastically small breasts and freckled skin, I am beautiful because I feed off the light of the Spirit instead of relying on the world’s gaze for my energy.
What women must know: That there is beauty in the unknown, the unfinished, the undone, the unraveled. When we give voice to our imperfections and impurities without demeaning ourselves, we are birthed into a community of truth and humility. And when we finally allow ourselves the grace to be exactly who we are, vibrantly disheveled beings, we grow strong by seeing ourselves as a valuable part of the wholeness of humanity.
This is beautiful and heartful and so are you!
Erin, God made you beautiful, inside and out, and your writing is beautiful. You have something to say to your generation. I love you, Angie
We have an inner beauty that outshines any light or beauty. You are a blessed child of God. He has alot in store for you Erin….
Love,
Aunt Gail >
Hey Beautiful! You indeed ARE a body warrior and a very graceful one at that. You somehow manage to skip down the line of spunk/rebelliousness and awe/appreciation/wonder at life. The spirit coming through you is quite a delight to behold. Hope you are well, friend!
With Love,
empres
You are looking right through us with that picture. I love your comment about finding strength in weakness. I think those weaknesses are some of the most beautiful aspects of people. No need to have a tough veneer all of the time. There is too much of that in the world. Please keep sharing all that your beautiful heart and mind sees.
This piece is so beautifully written-you are such a warrior, Erin, in both weakness and strength, in the best way.
Much encouraged,
Monica
Hey sweetie. I am so proud of you. I read that and I grinned and had such an inner peace. God gave you to me to help Him raise you, and look at what We’ve done!! My baby, my friend- kuddos to you for being you, and loving who you are. I love you too, Miss E. Holma- Perk
Erin, I love reading your thoughts. Your confidence (even in your weakness!) inspires me. Please keep sharing, and fighting for it.
xoxo Daphne