A few weeks ago, with the thought of a dreadfully long flight and nothing to do, I ran to the airport's bookstore and quickly bought a few magazines. I was absolutely appalled at some of the articles and "good advice." It focused on such material and silly things and I honestly couldn't believe what the interviewers focused on and how much they glamorized laziness and selfishness. Every page said "Be yourself, don't care what anyone else thinks. Take care of YOU." Then on the same page gave tips on how to be more like Bella Thorne or perfect Katy Perry's eyeliner.
Okay yes, of course be yourself and be proud of how unique you are! But you can still serve others, look past yourself and focus on improving yourself in a more constructive way. Beauty comes from within and I think true beauty comes from a knowledge of who you are and a desire to improve yourself and those around you.
So instead of getting on my soap box, here are some women that have true beauty inside and out!
Genevieve (on the right in both pics) is so very classy, elegant, smart and generous (As is her sister Catherine, on the left). I have some of my best memories with her in the places she so graciously and enthusiastically took Ruby and I. She introduced us to many European cities, the French way of life, and some delicious cooking! But most importantly, she introduced us to hospitality and appreciation for beauty in its many forms. Whether hiking, museums, cathedrals or lakes. Plus, she does it in style and has the endurance of a 20 year old!
Okay yes, of course be yourself and be proud of how unique you are! But you can still serve others, look past yourself and focus on improving yourself in a more constructive way. Beauty comes from within and I think true beauty comes from a knowledge of who you are and a desire to improve yourself and those around you.
So instead of getting on my soap box, here are some women that have true beauty inside and out!
Even though my mom has amazing legs, can rock pink hair and has gorgeous hazel eyes, I don't find myself thinking about those attributes very often. Those are so common in the world! Her physical beauty is not what she's about. She is about driving her kids to lessons, listening to us (and sometimes that takes awhile since I am such a worrier/analyzer ;)), teaching kids about music and dance and their self-worth, making dinner, cleaning the house, writing, etc. Ya it's cool to marvel at her beauty once in a while when I see her smile or catch her laughing at my dad, but it's her generosity that I truly want to develop so I can be a beautiful daughter of God.
Coco! She is always fashionable and classy. Her teenage granddaughters covet her closet and she is a most thoughtful gift-giver. She's accomplished a lot in her life and you can tell. She got me excited about high school, hearing her stories from teaching sophomore honors English and planted the Wanderlust seed in my heart by telling me about working for PANAM and taking me to Paris for the first time. She has amazing blonde hair and blue eyes and kind smile. And I can tell you that she is one of the most patient and selfless people I know. She is also the answer to many questions: "Where can I find a red Renaissance dress by Friday?" Coco. "Who knows about this symbolism from Hamlet?" Coco. "Who can take me shopping for a new leotard?" Coco. "Who can sew three poodle skirts for 50s Day?" Coco!
If I can grow up and be just like fashionable, Paris-loving, chic Coco, I will call it a success. It's going to take a while, and I might need to go to Paris a few more times, but I have my whole life to work on it! ;)
My grandma is the most welcoming, kind, warm, nurturing, patient, gentle, spiritual woman ever. Her cheekbones are amazing and her hair is always perfectly coiffed and makeup perfect. Going to her house on Sundays is a highlight of my week, and now since I'm in college, something I look forward to for a long time. The food is amazing, the house is always clean, there are cousins running around everywhere, and you just know how much you are loved. Grandma is always thinking of others and serving them fully. She served a temple square mission with my grandpa and I loved spotting them during Music and the Spoken Word to say hello. Whenever she introduced us to her fellow missionaries, she introduced us as the most amazing people on the planet. I am so grateful she loves us all so much and that she prays daily for our success and happiness. I hope to develop her Christ-like countenance and humble demeanor in everything I do.
Genevieve (on the right in both pics) is so very classy, elegant, smart and generous (As is her sister Catherine, on the left). I have some of my best memories with her in the places she so graciously and enthusiastically took Ruby and I. She introduced us to many European cities, the French way of life, and some delicious cooking! But most importantly, she introduced us to hospitality and appreciation for beauty in its many forms. Whether hiking, museums, cathedrals or lakes. Plus, she does it in style and has the endurance of a 20 year old!
Golda, you're the best. You're so grounded. It is a true gift to be able to see the best in others, and appreciate it. You amaze me with your maturity and wisdom. And thanks for all the compliments! 😀
ReplyDeleteYou are so generous. I admire you in so many ways. Thanks for filling my heart with joy today and every day.
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