10 things

{ shirt/bag: Old Navy; necklace: Nordstrom; bangles: F21; trousers/heels: Target }

I promised that I would share the "10 things that make me beautiful" today on my blog. To be honest, it was hard to sit down and write 10 things. It's easy for me to look at others and see the beauty in them, but to look inwardly... It's difficult! It's hard to be honest and positive about yourself. Our culture tells us to fix all of our imperfections, but God tells us that we are perfect the way He's already made us. So, here's what I came up...

1. My compassion and care for others. The Lord has given me such a heart for others. I'm always wanting to get together with other women; encourage, disciple, and love on them! There is nothing that brings me more joy than when I'm caring for others.

2. My creativity. Ever since I was little, I have had a deep love for colors, decorating, art, and DIY projects. Being creative helps me unwind, relax, and reflect. Being creative is one of the ways God has wired me to worship him.

3. My tender heart.  I have such a soft heart. Since I take things very personal {which is something I'm working on!}, I'm hyper sensitive to other people around me and their feelings. Most of the time, I can sense when someone is hurting or in need of something/someone. 

4. My stubbornness! Yes, I am soooo stubborn! It has served me well over the years. If I want something, I usually get it, because I'll work my little tush off. I know that throughout my life, if I want to do something, I won't stop until I've accomplished what I'm after. My stubbornness has helped me get through school, start my blog, and fight for relationships. Although, it can easily turn into a negative trait if I let my stubbornness turn to selfishness. It's something that makes me beautiful when I use it to serve Christ.

5. My gift of encouragement. For soccer awards, I never got MVP, I always got Encourager. Not very cool when you're in high school, but I think it's pretty cool now. I'm an encourager. I love lifting others up in encouragement.

6. My athletic build. When I learned how to walk, I walked on my tip-toes, which helped me grow my ever-so strong calf and thigh muscles. The Lord has blessed me with the ability to play on competitive soccer teams, run in a half marathon, and keep up with the boys in sports! I may dress like a girly girl, but behind my love for fashion, there's a love for sports. Without this body of mine, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish those things. I'm really thankful for my healthy body.

7. My ability to make people feel welcome and comfortable. Whether that's in my home being hospitable, or having a 5 minute conversation. I want people to know I'm a safe person to confide in, and that I'm trustworthy.

8. My celiac disease. It makes me relate to other people who are sick or who have food allergies/intolerances. It gives me an appreciation for my health that I didn't have before I was diagnosed with celiac.

9. My Swedish features. I used to be extremely self-conscious of my round face. I hated when people told me I had "cute cheeks" or that I looked younger than I actually am, but as I get older, I love my round face! My round face makes me, me. What can I say, I'm Swedish. Not to mention, my husband thinks my round face is sexy... Who said round faces can't be sexy?!

10. I'm an introvert and an extravert. I'm both! I'm an introverted extravert. I love being by myself, but I also love being with people.

What are your 10 things?