Everyday Beautiful

  As I wrote this post, I realized that in reading the "she statements", we might begin to feel that we need to being doing  more... and be doing all the time... in order to be who we desire to be.  However, when one reads deeper into these words, examining the meaning beyond surface level, they find that the phrases don't necessarily talk about doing.  They speak of a life style.  A character.  The woman Kobi Yamada depicts does all of these actions because it flows naturally out from her.  She does because she is.  She loves herself, appreciates the world, take advantage of life.  From this attitude naturally flows bravery, brilliance and beauty.  So please do not stress over doing !  Instead, give yourself grace to take a breath and be still.  See who you really are.  Allow that woman (or man!) to flourish into the best version of herself (or himself)!  Then kindness, courage and care will flow naturally from your ...

 I begin this post by clarifying a certain point: I make no claim of practicing all these "celebrate her" statements in my own life.  Far from it!  I often look down on myself, striving to please the inner critic who always sees something wrong that I must fix so that others might accept me.  Thus, I continue to bring Kobi Yamada's words to you... not as one who practices them perfectly.  Rather, as a woman who gains hope from these phrases.  They become a picture of someone I want to be, a resilience I want to have in the face of a dark world.  I hope that these statements offer a similar encouragement to you! She walked in when everyone else walked out... Celebrate her friendship She added so much beauty to being human... Celebrate her presence She just had this way of brightening the day... Celebrate her radiance She went out on a limb, had it break off behind her and discovered she could fly... Celebrate her faith She made the whole world feel like...

 My mom gave me a book for my 18th birthday called "She".  Such a blunt, short title caught me off guard when I first opened the gift.  She?  What about her?  Later, when I began to read, the words leapt off their pages, touching my heart.  I felt bravery, strength, encouragement gained from them.  So now I share some of these amazing captions with you.  I not only bring Kobi Yamada's brilliant words; I'm also pairing each statement with a photo of mine.  Connecting abstract to reality.  Giving more texture to a painting of "she".  Of an amazing woman who strives for a better future without forsaking herself in the process.   As this book gave me loads to think about, I felt it unfair to fling the entire work at you in one blog post.  So, I took five of the first captions which touched me especially deep.  Later I will post more of Yamada's words in another article.   Enjoy the words.  Savor them....

Sun rays glided down to earth Unnoticed by world of mirth Accepted only with empty hands Survivors sprawled upon desert sands Into their hearts they store Warmth of life, promising more Than the death surrounding them Prowling near until reaching in Takes them all, one by one Seems to others they are done. But not so! Look now, see Orange and yellow Tiny seeds Sprouting now Coming forth Pain allowed Beautiful rebirth. Fire, fire burning bright Keep me warm through the night Cold may nip at my behind But of this feel I never mind So long as you heat my cheeks I can survive a house that leaks Only spread your flame towards me Keep my mind off my need. Pop Explode Release Rebel Fire Unleashed Not more In shell Boom Color Fall Now no more No more at all