Gratitude = Happiness

I am being showered with wonderful things. Another wonderful woman I serve with, Alison, shared this print with each of us... Thank you Alison!
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Ideas... Why Not?

I was browsing the oh so addictive Pinterest and came across a comment or two that made me (only for a moment) feel bad about sharing ideas here.  (It must be close to "that time".  I'm being very sensitive.)  ;)  After a day and a half of playing silly mind games with myself, I decided that sharing makes me happy. :)  So let the sharing of ideas continue!
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Sisters in Zion is a place where my sisters and I, over the miles, brainstorm.  These posts are meant to be an idea share.  Good ideas, crazy ideas, over-the-top ideas, simple ideas, ideas of things we have seen or done or heard about.  A place to inspire one another.  A spring board for our own ideas.  "Everything starts with an idea."  Right?
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We do have our limits.  :)  You should hear the caveman idea we laughed about the other day, over the phone.  The whole concept around, "Even the first fire began with a spark!", totally fits in with the mutual theme.  Much too silly to share here though.  (But, if there is someone out there who really wants all the details to a caveman inspired New Beginnings - let me know)  :)
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We are sisters, we get each other.  We love each other, even with all our silly ideas.  ((hugs))

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When it comes right down to it, we do believe in keeping things simple, but definitely making the most of the talents and resources around us.

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When others ask "Why?", we answer:
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I am beautiful and I am in control.

There's been a topic on my mind for quite some time now.  Self Image and Eating Disorders:  Anorexia and Bulimia.  I'm not sure why this particular topic keeps knocking at my mind's door.  I am unaware of any young woman who is currently struggling with a specific eating disorder - though self image seems to be a common struggle for many.

My question:  "How do we as mothers and leaders instill in our daughters and young women a knowledge that they are beautiful and that they are in control of their bodies?"

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Whatever the reason, I am opening the discussion.  Maybe this is for you, for your daughter, or one of your young women.  I don't know.  But, there's a reason it has been on my mind - I just felt like it was time to share.

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The following WARNING SIGNS (by Lynn Carol Maynes, Program Specialist for LDS Family Services) were found in the April 2006 Issue of the New Era, "My Battle With Anorexia":

If you are concerned that you or a loved one could be struggling with an eating disorder, look for some of these signs:

• Intense fear of being “fat”
• A change in weight not related to a medical condition
• Severe dieting, binge eating, or preoccupation with food
• Abuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, diet pills, or other related medications
• Evidence of forced vomiting
• Distorted body image, preoccupation with body shape and size
• Obsessive or excessive exercise
• Depressed mood or anxiety

It is important that you take action and get help if you notice these symptoms. Eating disorders are hazardous to your physical and spiritual health. LDS Family Services can help.  For more information please call 1-801-240-2429.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Thinness Obsession, Dr Harold A. Frost, Ensign, January 1990

Helping Prevent Eating Disorders, Ensign, January 1994

Eating Disorders:  A Deadly State of Mind, Janet Thomas, New Era, February
My Battle with Anorexia, Katie Mae Hess, New Era, New Era, April 2006
The Body, A Sacred Gift, Diane L. Spangler, Liahona, July 2005
Healing Soul and Body, Robert D. Hales, Ensign, November 1998
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SIDE NOTE
The irony here is, as much as it has been on my mind, I am probably the last person to lead the conversation.  Even as an adult I find it very difficult to find moments where I feel beautiful - struggling each day to take control of my own health in a positive way.  If I can find the words, I may share the story of my own struggles as a young woman in a later post - but, only with the hope of helping someone else.

Idea Pages, Awake!

Random notebooks, journals, and calendars where my ideas have been tucked away...  I figure they're doing no one any good sitting in drawers and sleeping on closet shelves.  I believe it is time to wake them up.  Even if they do no one any good, it'll  make me feel like I have accomplished something.  I guess I'll start with this stack from one of my dresser drawers. 

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Butterfly in a Jar

I understand Dad and Mom picked up a bunch of these Butterfly Jars to pass out on Mother's Day.
Do you love them?!
Looks and moves just like a real butterfly...  but it will never die.
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I found ours at WalMart.
Dad and Mom found them at Home Depot.
You can also find them here. (though you would be paying a whole lot more) 
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Our's is displayed on our mantle.
I love it!
So do the kids.
That is the reason I have it up on the mantle.
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We have the BLUE one.
Which one do you have?

Map It

I am loving this world map for children (of all ages), by Julie Mercier.  Hoping to order, frame, and hang it soon.  Just thought I'd share.

Purchase print here.