Day 7

Tune out the media - no movies, magazines, internet surfing, etc.

Today was really hard. It's a well known fact that my life is pretty much centered around media. I'm a self-proclaimed TV, movie, and Internet addict. And I had just received my new issues of Us Weekly and Entertainment Weekly today, and I didn't even get to read them. But that's probably a good thing because Us Weekly always has a story about "25 Diet Secrets to Help You Look Like Celebrity X," or something along those lines. Definitely the opposite of what this challenge is about. So today, instead of being bombarded with images of skinny, airbrushed, unrealistic looking celebrities, I took the time to do more substantial things. I read my scriptures, read a book, cleaned my room, called up some friends, got some homework done, and actually cooked a nice meal. I felt so productive today - something I don't normally feel when I spend half my day watching television.

And as promised - here are some pictures of my adventures at Fork Fest yesterday!

Day 6

Woo it's been a long day. I'm gonna keep this post short because I'm exhausted. But today was so great. I saw The Social Network, which was amazing and highly interesting. (Oh Mark Zuckerburg. You're a cad but I still use your website anyway). I also went to Fork Fest, where I listened to some amazing bands and distributed The Vanguard! It was so cool seeing people scattered around, reading our paper. So legit, man. I'll put up pictures tomorrow.

Day 6 - Refrain from telling fat jokes or talking about weight in general.

This is usually never a problem for me because I abhor people who tell these types of jokes or make these types of statements. And I certainly have no room to tell them. But I do sometimes have a tendency to self-deprecate myself, like I almost did when putting on my Vanguard Tshirt today. But I didn't. Who cares what people think, really? I am beautiful. Night all.

Day 5

Let me just start by saying that TODAY WAS AN AMAZING DAY!!! First of all, I GOT ACCEPTED INTO THE PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM!!! (Sorry for the all-caps. I'm just that stoked.) Today I also went to Humor U, which is always a good time. (But let's be honest - I just go for Stephen Jones.) And finally, tonight was the release party of The Vanguard!! The paper looks so good - I can't believe it actually happened. I'm a legitimate journalist now, folks. It's real. All of the articles are awesome and everyone we've talked to is really excited about it so I really hope it'll become big. We're trying to create a paper that discusses real, intellectual issues and local scenes that Provo/Orem students actually care about, so I hope you tell all your friends about it. And ask me for a copy come Monday! Or come to Fork Fest tomorrow - we're distributing some early copies there.

In other news, here's the challenge for Day 5!

Exercise for fun - choose a form of exercise you enjoy, one you wouldn't normally choose because it calls attention to your body.

I'll be the first to admit it. I hate exercise. It definitely does not equate to fun in my book. But it's necessary - unfortunately. So today, my exercising was dancing. Sure, it was a party and some don't even consider it real exercise, but dancing definitely burns some calories and it's not exactly something I'm comfortable doing. One reason I don't really like going to dances is because it calls attention to my body and my atrocious dance moves. No one really wants to see it. But today - I let them see it. And I had a lot of fun in the process. Everyone was acting ridiculous, so my dancing fit right in :)

Here are some pics of my day:
1) my acceptance letter!
2) Me and Brit getting pumped for Humor U
3) The Vanguard Ladies
4) The Vanguard! I'm so proud! :)

Day 4

How much time do you spend getting ready each day? Today, use that same amount of time to get ready on the inside. Meditate, write in your journal, or perform an act of service.

Well, to be honest, I only spend about 15-30 minutes getting ready each day. (The snooze button is my best friend). So I feel that over-stressing about how I look in the morning isn't really a problem I struggle with. But I spent about a half hour today just laying on my bed, listening to music, and thinking about what I really want in life. I came to the conclusion that I need to stop stressing and over-planning like I always do. Hardly anything goes according to my plans, anyway. Life is much more fun and interesting when you're more spontaneous.

Another thing I really thought hard about are my insecurities. I thought about why I'm insecure about certain things, and realized it was because I kept comparing my experiences to the experiences of other people. And I really need to stop doing that. Just because I don't have a boyfriend, or an internship, or a million other things that other people seem to have doesn't mean my life isn't just as exciting or interesting. In fact, I am involved in a lot of interesting things right now. I just need to stop coveting.

"We just get the one life, you know. Just one. You can't live someone else's or think it's more important just because it's more dramatic. What happens matters. Maybe only to us, but it matters." ~ Gwen, Ghost Town

In other news, I find out about PR tomorrow! I'm just trying not to think about it until that (acceptance) letter is in my hands!

Also, you should check out Imagine Dragons. I'm really getting into their music. Listen to All Eyes and Hear Me. They'll be performing at Fork Fest along with Joshua James, Fictionist, Shark Speed, Isaac Russell, and many others. I'm way excited!!

Day 2 and 3

So sorry for being late on these journal entries, but my whole day yesterday was spent writing an 8 page paper and today was pretty busy as well. But I have some time now! Hope you enjoy.

Day 2: Study what beauty is from a gospel perspective.

1 Corinthians 3:16 - "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

These scriptures really mean so much to me. Often we judge ourselves based on what the world sees as beautiful, which is ridiculous because the world's judge of beauty is completely wrong. We should be focused on what Heavenly Father sees as beauty, because His opinion is what matters most in the grand scheme of things. The Lord cares not so much for our outward appearance, although we should take the best care of it that we can because our bodies are god given temples. By best care, however, I mean not so much makeup and ornamenting ourselves but instead keeping ourselves healthy and free from things that would harm our body. The Lord cares more about what is in our hearts than what is on our bodies.

I also really enjoyed Lynn G. Roberts talk titled, "True Beauty." He states that "it isn’t just about cosmetics or clothing. What makes a young woman truly attractive comes from her heart," and that "happiness is the most attractive accessory a woman can have." How true. Think about it, men - a woman's face might attract you at first, but if she's always a downer, has no confidence in herself, and hates the world around her, then that attraction's gonna dwindle pretty fast. I truly believe that a smile can make a person 10,000 times more beautiful. So smile, girls, and be thankful for everything you've got.

Day 3 - Make a list of 10 positive things you like about yourself that have nothing to with your appearance and 10 positive things that have to do with your appearance.

Things I love about myself:

1. I'm a good listener and love being the girl anyone can talk to about anything at all.
2. I never make first judgments about people and always give someone the benefit of the doubt.
   
3. I can see both sides of almost every issue pretty easily.
   
4. I'm loyal and trustworthy - I don't tell people's secrets and will stand by my friends no matter what.
   
5. I'm fairly intelligent. A 3.9 GPA is not too shabby.
   
6. I make a mean guacamole.
   
7. I'm not a picky eater.
   
8. I may not be too talented in the arts or music departments, but that's ok because I'm the amazing audience that everyone needs. I'm able to fully appreciate other people's talents.
   
9. I'm really chill about things and never have drama directly in my life.
   
10. I'm a hard worker and have always received positive reviews at any job I've had - and I've worked in many various industries, so I know I can learn to do almost anything.

Things I love about my appearance:

1. The color of my eyes
   
2. My freckles.
   
3. My long blonde hair
4. My ears to hear
5. My hands to feel
6. My tongue to taste delicious things
7. My mouth to talk
8. My huge feet. Really.
   
9. My height
10. How my second toe is longer than my big toe.

Wow, it was hard to stop at 10, especially with the first list :) I encourage you all to make lists of your own, it really does help you realize that you've got a lot more going on than you first thought.

“Pretty is something you're born with. But beautiful, that's an equal opportunity adjective.”

Day 1

Today is Day 1 of the 10 Day Body Image Challenge that the Women's Service Center is throwing. i signed up for this challenge for a couple of reasons. One, because I really want that Beautiful T-shirt you get at the end, and two, because I have quite a lot to work on self-confidence wise. It's no big secret that I've always been insecure about my body and weight, and over time I have come to embrace it little by little, but I definitely still have a lot to work on in that department. I need to reassure myself that I am beautiful, no matter what the world may think.

We're technically supposed to write our thoughts about each challenge in our journal, but since I don't really have a journal (this blog basically counts as it) and since I don't mind sharing my thoughts with you guys, I thought I'd just write it on here. So here goes:

Day 1: write a list of things that you are grateful your body can do

• I'm grateful that my body is not crippled and that I am able to move freely, and run, jump, swim, or whatever else I choose to do
• My body allows me to think and utilize my brain to the best of its ability
• I can write my thoughts, pick up things, use tools, and do many other things with my wonderful hands
• I'm glad I'm tall and able to reach things
• I love my freckles and my fair skin
• My blue eyes allow me to see the beauties of the world and my ears allow me to hear
• My awesome tongue lets me enjoy chocolate. and cheese.
  
• My mouth allows me to say what's on my mind, laugh, and tell rad jokes
• I can breathe. That's pretty necessary.
• I'm glad I've never done drugs and alcohol and that my body is free from those addictive and harmful substances
• I'm thankful for my heartbeats, my lungs, and my nervous system, and all those things that keep me alive and let me enjoy life

Wow, that was easier than I thought :) I'm really excited for the rest of this challenge.

In other news, I had my birthday party with Kailee and Kelly this past weekend! It was a lot of fun, especially seeing Kelly's um, friends. Haha. But I'm glad I could just celebrate with some awesome people and enjoy a nice break from school and work and everything else. (Ugh Anthropology...) Here are some pics from the party. Oh, and I'm still waiting for my presents, mother.

I Like Life

Hey guys! Sorry I have A LOT to update about, but can I just say that my life is pretty awesome right now? I mean, I have a million things going on that it sometimes stresses me out how to find time for it all, but I believe that everything I'm doing is pretty fulfilling and meaningful. I know the Lord will help me find a way to balance it all.

So anyway, here's the rundown!

• I am now 19! I basically just spent my birthday watching Conference and not much else, but it was nice to relax and enjoy some me time (and wear nothing but pajamas). I'm also throwing a party with my fellow birthday / awesome girls Kailee and Kelly this Friday. I'm really excited for it, it should be a lot of fun and I hope you all can make it!
  
• I'm finally getting the hang of my job and really starting to enjoy it. I got paid to watch the Homecoming Opening Ceremony today, so that was pretty awesome. Just pick up your sports pass please!
  
• Joined the Voices of Courage board, under the great leadership of President Shirley :) This campaign is all about stopping abuse, being a voice for girls who are afraid to speak up, and letting campus know that we're not gonna skirt around the important issues anymore when it comes to disrespecting anyone, whether male or female. I'm so excited about this cause, and I really think you all should check it out. Just ask me if you have any questions; we'd love more members! Click here for the link to their website. Also, you girls should really think about participating in the 10-day body image challenge the Women's Service Center is holding. It's something I think every girl should do, and something I definitely need to work on as well. Plus, you get a free T-shirt at the end.
  
• Joined The Vanguard, a Provo/Orem student run newspaper about intellectual issues and local news you probably won't hear from anywhere else. The first issue should be out in two weeks. I only wrote a restaurant review for this issue (finally living my dream of being a food critic!) but you should definitely check it out because it will be full of GREAT content. My awesome friend Lyse is writing some great articles about Fork Fest and the History of the Honor Code - should be really interesting!
• Getting more involved in PRSSA and the Bradley lab. The account I'm on is for the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, and we're even trying to get a Cabinet member to be a keynote speaker for their conference in D.C. It's so exciting to work with real clients when I'm only a sophomore in college. And not even in the program yet...
• I went iceblocking for the first time the other day! was not as scary as I thought it would be :)
• Fall TV is back! Shows you need to watch: Community, Modern Family, 30 Rock, The Office, and Glee. All I gotta say is, Thursday nights are one of my favorites :)
  

Things that aren't so great:

• I got sick from the middle school girl I'm mentoring. Triniti is super sweet and I love her to death, but I don't think she should have been so proud when she exclaimed, "I've been sick for a week!"
• I have about 4 tests coming up. fun.
  
• I have no money.

I think that's about all! I just hope that I can continue to balance it all, because I really love where my life is right now.

And now, here's a video that should brighten your day. I know you've all seen it a million and a half times, but it never gets old. Enjoy