Good Night, Dear Void

So a couple of years ago, I signed up for this program through Women's Services on campus called "Redefining Beauty." One of the concepts they focused on was "self-talk," because let's be real. 

We're women.

we. 

can't. 

shut. 

up. 

Even when our mouths are completely closed. 

Within 5 seconds of meeting somebody, we've assessed, compared, and accosted ourselves before we actually know anything about them.

Here's the magical thing that I learned at EFY like 9 million years ago, "by acknowledging somebody else's beauty, we aren't detracting from our own beauty." Isn't that thought, well, beautiful? Beauty, talent, kindness, achievement. NONE of these qualities are finite commodities.

I forget this way too many times. Like lately, how I've been wondering if my little life is going anywhere, or if I'm doing anything to contribute to this big wide world that I want to help so much. But I think we forget, a lot like Kathleen Kelly that even when we may feel so anonymous in the world, the people around us would be devastated, or at least very different without our influence.

My roommate, who is about the most super example of Christlike love for others, came home a few minutes ago talking about a meeting that she really enjoyed. Her favorite part of the meeting was talking about the wonderful characteristics of other people. Isn't that great? She was glowing talking about how the people around her are so wonderful.

That is when I realized that this comparing gets me nowhere, because we all bless each other's lives, and we are all part of a meaningful plan that our Father in Heaven has for us. When you think of it like that, the chatter inside your head sounds a lot nicer.