I loved reading your comments about photoshopping and understanding that we each are unique and how that makes us beautiful. Please note, that ideally we would never feel the need to compare ourselves to other women, whether in magazines or real life. However, in reality we do, so I just hoped to share a new perspective to adopt when doing so. Strive towards not comparing...but when you find yourself doing so, take a moment to think objectively about those comparisons. For more reading on those topics, check out Jen's and Katie's posts as well.

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If you haven't noticed by now, I love answering sporadic questions that can provide a little glimpse into who I am. And the randomer (totally a word), the better. I enjoy answering quesions almost as much as I enjoy reading all of yours. When I saw the 25 Things game that many have already posted, I knew I wanted to get in on the action. Thanks for starting this fun Julie!

1. Where would you be able to spend hours and be happy? Anywhere I can be comfortable with a good book.
2. What’s your favorite kind of doughnut? That heavenly Dutch Monkey blueberry donut I had awhile ago. Haven't had another since, but it's the best.
   

   Blueberry Cream Divine Donut

3. Do you have any tattoos or piercings? Nada. Not even my ears.
4. What is your favorite movie? Oh dear goodness. I would have to say The Labyrinth. I can't even begin to explain why it's my favorite besides it being a special bond with my sister. And Hoggle being our idol.
   

   Crazy David Bowie

5. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone? my friend Angie
6. Are you still friends with the people you knew in middle school or high school? Two. My good friend Thomas who I only get to see 2x/year now that he lives in Virginia. And my friend Nikki who I am the matron of honor for in her upcoming wedding.
7. What is the last thing you ate? Leftover sausage & lentil soup. Although I'm wishing it was a Dutch Monkey Donut now.
8. What did you want to be when you grew up? a teacher or a journalist
9. Name three things that are close to you right now: water bottle, camera, and duh a computer if I'm typing.
10. What was your best subject in school? Spanish. Hence me becoming a Spanish teacher.
11. What is your favorite restaurant? You really expect me to pick?! I guess I would have to say either Cheesecake Factory or Cheeky Taqueria.
12. Any hidden talents? Would clearing a room after having lots of veggies count?
13. What is your middle name? Jordan, but it used to be Danielle...I kept my maiden name for my middle and wish I didn't. I like Danielle better now. That's more than you all cared to know I am sure.
14. What is your favorite website? seeing as all my computer time is spent blogging, I would have to say all your blogs!
15. How old were you when you had your first kiss? 14...and don't EVEN get me started on that. The dude STOLE my first kiss. It was a sneak attack and I hated every second of it.
16. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, but of course!
17. What is your favorite girl’s name? Makenzie!
18. Favorite store? right now it is either TJ Maxx, Home Goods, or Old Navy for things that fit in my budget but are still nice
19. Would you rather be a rock star or a famous athlete? Famous athlete.
20. Favorite food? Pizza! and sweet potatoes. But definitely not together.
21. What are you wearing right now? workout capris, sportsbra tank, socks, and tennis shoes - still from this morning when I didn't get to do my workout thanks to a fussy M. I cleaned a ton today instead so it all evens out.
22. What is your favorite animal? horses. I miss riding!
23. Did you graduate from college? Yep. From UGA. Summa cum laude. One flippin B kept me from doing it with a 4.0 as well. I will never forgive that English teacher. Figures I could knock out A's easily in Spanish but my one B was in English.
24. What does your last text message say? I don't remember. I am not a big texter.
25. Do you have any nicknames? Tina since my full name is Christina...and Peter has some choice ones that you probably don't want to know 😉

Jessica from The Process of Healing posted this beautiful post. It is based off an award that is being passed around, but she passed it on to everyone. I think it is a good thing for all of us to consider the questions posed, and it was just the sort of thing I needed to really think about today as it has been another rough day. About once every week or two, I have days where I get more emotionally run down and today was that day. So thank you Jessica for sharing this and for allowing me to think of so many positive things about myself.

1) What physical features do you love about yourself?

I love my eyes and my arms. My eyes are big and a very vivid green. I think they are unique and stand out, which is nice to have something that is more special. I also like my arms because they have good definition and look strong. Also, they get to wrap around all the people I love.

2) How do you personally take care of yourself?

I take care of myself by really trying to honor my body's needs. I really try to respect myself. Feed myself with nutritious foods, but also things I enjoy. I don't workout if my body isn't up to it. I also take care of myself mentally and spiritually be focusing on my relationship with God. This heals me more than anything.

3) What are you looking forward to?

I hate to say that right now I am most looking forward to two pink lines that are the sign of growing our family. But, I do think it is important to look forward to something each and every day. It makes me enjoy life more and appreciate every day. So tomorrow I am looking forward to meeting Em from HomecookedEm.

4) Who has aided your recovery the most?

Um, I think you all can guess this one. My answer will without a doubt be God. I would not be where I am now (in so many ways) if it weren't for Him calling me back to Him and me following. Also, Peter has played a big role in showing me just how beautiful I am inside and out. As well as Makenzie. I have to be strong for her. And lastly, all of you. You have no idea how much your support is carrying me through any hard days I face.

5) What was the very last thing you ate?

A brownie with vanilla bean icecream. It was Peter's little bro's birthday celebration with his family today and that was our dessert. We ate 5 hours ago and I'm still not hungry. After some salad, one slice of pizza, and that brownie. I guess fat fills me up like crazy!

6) What is one material thing you are dying to have right now?

A NICE CAMERA!!! Need I say more? 😉

7) If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

On a cruise in the Mediterranean. I want to go back to Europe and I adore cruise vacations. This would be perfect!

8 ) What is/was your biggest fear food, and how will/did you conquer it?

Well it used to be cereal. I could NOT control myself with it. Now it doesn't bother me in the least because I eat a balanced diet and don't ever get overly hungry that I feel the need to binge on it. Intuitive eating, baby!

9) What are your dreams for life after ED?

I'm past my ED (binge eating). My dreams for life after is to NEVER go back. To continue to honor my body and eat a balanced, healthy diet but not be afraid of enjoying food. And to help others in the process.

10) What advice would you give to someone concerning eating disorders?

Seek help in as many ways as you can. Don't try to battle it on your own. And I would really say turning to God is an important facet to that as well. When you know how much God loves you, you learn to love yourself all the more. And loving yourself will be a big step in overcoming ED.

Go ahead and share your answers on your blog! Because we are ALL beautiful.