Give Thanks

The leaves have turned into a warm orange and brown and the weather is getting progressively colder. The pressure is on with finals, yet I am focused right now on one thing, my personal growth. This year has been so successful on so many different levels. Students for Real Beauty has made such a beautiful outreach to little girls all across the community. During workshops it almost seemed like they were teaching me something rather than me teaching them. I have goosebumps.

This year has flown by. I've learned so much about myself as a leader. My self esteem has grown with Students for Real Beauty. Sharing our stories about let downs, heartaches, and also stories of triumph in the battle of self. So this holiday season, I am thankful. I am thankful for the usual yet rare treasures in my life, such as friends and family. I have started to look back on my "thankful lists" throughout the years and not once have I been thankful for my body. What happened to being thankful for two feet, strong legs, two arms, two hands to reach out, two shoulders to comfort, a relatively sane head on my shoulders, my smile, eyes to see the beauties in this world, ears to hear beautiful stories, music, and laughter? What happened to the simple things?

So over the holidays, make a list of what you're thankful about YOURSELF. What makes YOU unique, beautiful, rare, and worth being treasured? What makes you YOU? Everything of course. Even if you want to keep it strictly inward, do it. Talk about your quirks, views, ideas, and dreams. You have been put on this earth for a reason and you are unique with talents and gifts yet to be discovered. I encourage you, I implore you to reach out with them and touch someone's life for the better. Mother Teresa once said,

" I am thankful for my arms because there are so many handicapped,
Thankful for my eyes that have light when so many don't,
Thankful for my lips that sing when so many are mute,
Thankful for a home when so many have nowhere to return to,
Thankful for so much and when there is so little to ask.."

Have a "beautiful" holiday <3
Love,
Laura Olivos
SFRB President