Hello!

Song of Songs - Chapter 4:1

"How beautiful you are, my beloved, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are like doves. Your hair falls in waves, like a flock of goats frisking down the slopes of Gilead."

Oh, the glorious flowing words of the Song of Songs. :) It's a bit of a rush, isn't it? But hearing the words from the one you love...it's even better!

But I wonder, how often do we actually take a verse like this seriously? How many times a day do we really, truly take it to heart? Is there a time where we, as women, respond in kindness and acceptance when we are complimented?

I'm ashamed to say sometimes I forget how to take a compliment gracefully. Especially when I've woken up and mascara is smudged beneath my saggy eyeballs, drooling down my cheeks? Yeeeaaah. Not happening.

What is happening though, is rejection of yourself and the one you love. I know, ladies - DUH, right? Hang on there. I'm about to make more sense.

I feel many girls and women can be so uncomfortable with themselves, that they in turn become uncomfortable with praise and compliments. We're so busy judging ourselves so harshly and nit-picking at all the 'flaws' we supposedly have, that we get to the point where positive feedback from our loved ones is something we don't even know what to do with!

Instead of having our heads swirl around several phrases that could possibly hurt ourselves and the other person, why not attempt to learn how to embrace compliments? Even when you don't believe them, opening up the door for more positive thoughts and interactions about your body is healthier than the no-sugar freezepop in your fridge!!

Here's a few tips I've found help myself when I get the 'pause' after a compliment:

Acknowledge: When you notice someone is complimenting you, do you find yourself ending the conversation abruptly with a, "Oh, no, I look dreadful", or a snorting "Are you kidding me?". Instead of retorting, use your loss of words to your advantage and keep it short and simple. There is something more they see in you, so try and notice it!

Practice: You are BEAUTIFUL. There will be more topics that go deeper into what I perceive to be beauty and what the world sees, but we'll get into that later. Try and practice finding the things you DO like about yourself, so when someone catches you off-guard with a compliment and you feel insecure, remember those things you found nice about yourself. Even if it's only a few things, keep them close to heart and it will make the 'thank you' much, much easier. God blessed you!

Smile: This is a no brainer...everyone feels better when they smile - it's contagious! This will also send signals to the complimenter that you took his or her compliment gracefully and that you appreciate it. If nothing else, just smile. <3

I hope this first post has been an uplifting start to your day, or a finish if you're headed off to bed. Remember, no matter shape or size, height or type, you are GORGEOUS and you are LOVED.

Next blogging post will be about curves and the inner battle of the 'skinny jeans'.

Peace in Christ,
Katie