Returning to work and Project 31

Tomorrow I head back to the corporate world of clients, employee complaints, benefits questions and away from my sweet girl with her diaper changes and happy smiles. Am I ready? Not at all. I have been incredibly blessed to stay home 12 weeks with her and I am forever grateful to my amazing husband to provide me that option. Even though I will probably enjoy having adult conversations again and dressing up, how would I want to leave this face?

Project 31

I have decided to further explore my quest to find beauty in the world by doing Project 31.  I find the idea to be both challenging and fun. It comes from an awesome blog called She Breathes Deeply and is based off of Proverbs 31.  So lets jump in!

Day One: What does beauty mean to you?

beau·ty

-noun, plural -ties.

1.

the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).
To me, beauty is something that shines from the inside out. People who are beautiful to me, have a quality that radiates out, creating their beauty. Even objects or places tend to have a spiritual essence or emotional edge that make that strike me as beautiful. Moments can be beautiful. Waking up next to my husband and having that 5 minutes of slowly waking up together is one of those moments. My daughter smiling at me and reaching for my hand is one of those moments.
For myself, beauty is not about expensive clothes or the perfect haircut. I feel my best when I feel confident, that is where I find beauty. Yes, putting on make up, a cute outfit, and doing my hair help. I won’t pretend otherwise, but even with all those things I may not feel beautiful if I am not confident and happy inside.
THE LIST:
Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7. Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.
Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. Describe your personality.
Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Day 24. What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me." (Pics are great!)
Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31. Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!