Maybe "Beauty" Isn't What I Think It Is...

If you're new to reading my blog, thank you for taking the time to click on the link and take a little peek. Let me get you caught up on what this whole "Redefining Beauty" thing is all about.

My name is Kelsey. I'm 12 days shy of turning 28 years old and I grew up in a small town in western Washington. I'm a recovered bulimic and exercise-addict, ex-cutter and substance-abuser. I'm really just a normal-kind-of-girl with a goal to help people live free from eating disorders and body image issues. They say tough situations make you stronger and more able to help others. Whoever "they" is, I think they're right.

Re: Defining Beautyful You is the result of, somewhat random, thoughts, ideas, and dreams mostly on the topic of beauty, body image, and related topics. I utilizing the creativity behind writing as a coping mechanism while in recovering from the eating disorder and it quickly became a part of me. I suppose it's a hobby slash passion slash lifestyle all jumbled together. I am on a quest to challenge our societal viewpoint of beauty, femininity, womanhood, and attractiveness.

This blog is my canvas of vulnerability, raw truth, and touchy topics that many people don't really talk about. Body image issues and eating disorders are super prevalent in the U.S. Literally, last I read, over 75% of women struggle with food. It's insane.

Anyway, there's your snippet of what this is all about.

Finley, the best baby EVER.

So, I'm an auntie now. Or, rather, my sister gave birth to the most awesome, amazing, incredible, beautiful, smart, strong baby girl in the whole world just a mere 11 days ago. I'm not biased whatsoever. I swear. She really is that colossally spectacular. See for yourself...

Ok, I admit, I am a teeny bit fond of her.

But, in all seriousness, God has used my sister's pregnancy and Finley's little life to open my eyes to another perspective of beauty and provide a new appreciation for what the female body can endure and support.

The Beauty I've Witnessed in the Past 10 Months Regarding this Little Jewel:

1. My sister's ever changing body doing exactly what it needed to do to keep Finley alive and provide everything her little body needed to grow from a tiny little cell-sized little-bit into this incredible mini-human.

2. John and Kristen's dedication to create an amazing space in which Finley will grow up. Their home is family-centered, welcoming, and open to visitors. Finley's nursery was lovingly breathed-into-existence (figuratively speaking, mind you) with a ton of planning and hard work by both my brother-in-law and sister.

3. The way each of their three dogs animatedly approved of Baby Finley the very first day they met her.

4. John and Kristen's excitement toward each other as they brought this little life into the world.

5. John's servant-heart toward his girls. He seriously loves on them so well.

6. Kristen's interest in and commitment to providing the best for her baby by eating well, taking tons of breast milk generating supplements, and budgeting toxin free soaps, shampoos, etc. for their little one.

7. John and Kristen's tenacity to figure out this parenting thing.

As I watch the two of them join together as a team to learn how to best care for Finley, it's evident that beauty lies within the details and small pleasures of the ins-and-outs of being a parent. In no way am I saying parenting is glamorous. But witnessing John and Kristen take this on like champs absolutely distracts me from any hint of self-doubt, body image issue, or confidence issue. It's a bigger story that puts life into perspective. So, thank you, John and Kristen, for representing beauty at it's finest.

Live fully, love wholly, rejoice daily.
xoxo
KC