Since its Saturday, and I know we’re all busy and living our lives on the weekends, I will make this post as short and sweet as possible. Just enough to get the message across and help us go out and do just what we should be doing – living. And enjoy ourselves and those who love us! 🙂

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I have already shared how important it is to recognize others’ love for us. You might remember that one. It was probably my personal favorite of this series because I felt it so deeply. Accepting love from others can threaten the walls we build around ourselves. We fear breaking down all our defenses because it may reveal our weakness, hurt, and shame. We cannot keep those defenses though. Not only do they make it hard to accept love from others, but they also make it hard to give love to others.

When I lived my life secluded in the hard shell of depression, binging, and negativity, not only could I not see others reach out to me but I didn’t want to reach out to them. I hated my loneliness  but I put on a happy face as much as possible to appease others so they wouldn’t come too close. I felt I had no love to give.

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My faith and allowing myself to attempt new relationships played a large part in opening my eyes to the importance of loving others. It started with loving Peter and not wanting to hurt him. It grew with not wanting to pretend in front of others. It grew even more when I got more involved in the church and built up amazing relationships there. Not only did I learn people could care about me, but also I cared about them. Doing things to uplift them helped me feel good too. Then it became this never-ending cycle that continued to build upon itself.

Now, I love hard. I care so greatly for the obvious contenders – my husband and my children (even the unborn one bumping around inside of me and causing my back grief), my parents and siblings, my close friends. I also truly love people I’ve never even met. You all. I feel blessed to have met some of you and hope to get the chance to meet each one of you, but even if our paths never physically cross I honestly don’t know what I would do without you and wish the best for each of you. I hope you know that.

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I even extend my love to strangers. I believe in random acts of kindness, the power of a smile, and how a polite conversation with someone for even just one minute can make a difference. And I always feel better about the world and myself after such actions. The only way to feel love deep down is to give it and receive it. It’s what we were made to do. If we deny that part of ourselves something will always feel missing, making it that much harder to fully love ourselves.

How are you going to show love to someone this weekend? We have numerous people in our lives to love…be open to all! Have a fabulous Saturday!

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• Making A Change
• Ulterior Harmony

Morning everyone!!! May all your dreams come true this Friday. Or at the very least, it be a good one and kick off your weekend right. 😉 In case you can’t tell, I’m still in such a good mood. I love happy days! Hehe.

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Today brings us this week’s installment of the Gifts of the Body series within the 30 DSLR. Click for Part 1 and Part 2. We need to grow to appreciate every part of our bodies. We need to love them for the life they give. No part of our bodies is insignificant and we need to honor them. Find three new things to thank your body for today. Praise your body throughout the day. It truly is a blessing.

I thank my hands…

…for being able to hold little M’s hand to keep her safe. For having the ability to write/type quickly so I can do more of what I love and express my thoughts thoughts. For being able to cook healthy meals for my family, albeit not extremely well. For being able to caress my husband or rub his achy back and legs.

I thank my tongue…

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…for allowing me to taste and enjoy food. And also for helping me to speak. You are one powerful muscle because I know I can talk! For the record, there are a lot of unattractive tongue images on Google!

I thank my brain…

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…for my creativity and knowledge. Even though you may not be as sharp after “pregnancy brain” has hit me twice, you still do not fail me. I can still make sound decisions. You can still guide me to answers. You provide me a pathway to pursue a passion for helping others. You help me remember special moments so I can cherish them. You help me communicate in two languages (Spanish & English) and do quick math in my head with ease. You were crafted by God to make me who I am.

What of your body (inside or out) do you thank today?

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Check out the following blogs for the thoughts they shared on 30 DSLR!

• Ulterior Harmony
• Simply Maren
• Making A Change
• Adventures in Weight Loss, Cooking, and Life