Sarah - {Summer 2016}

​Friends, Sarah is pure joy to be around. She has this way of talking through her laughter that you just can't help but laugh along with her. I loved seeing her love for others, her willingness to adventure into the Rio Grande, and her quiet strength. To dive in, I asked her a silly question:

What music do you love that you're embarrassed about?

"Oh geeze, there are so many. But definitely N'sync. All of it. I don't even have a favorite song, I just love them all." Now, even though I was team Backstreet Boys (because I didn't foresee JT becoming the star he is now...) I can respect her boy band love.

​What are you passionate about?

"I think just living a life with passion if that makes sense. Doing something with my life that I feel can change the world - which is why I'm getting a degree in social work."

What makes you feel encouraged?

"Other women." she pauses, knowing I didn't expect that answer, "when I feel like I can talk to them, when I feel like I can relate to them. It encourages me to have positive people in my life."

How do you encourage others?

"I like to be the person that is extra patient with people, especially when it is unexpected. I just really like to go the extra mile and share joy."

Oh Sarah, the world needs more people like you. Patient people seem to be like unicorns today!

What makes a person beautiful?

"I think confidence is incredibly important. It's something that a lot of people lack. And kindness, which may sound hokey, but being that person that's reliable and is that friend that is always there. That's beautiful."

What does the world need more of?
"The world just really needs more compassion." Plain and simple, she sums up how we all feel.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

1. Loyal
2. Passionate
3. Empathetic
4. Understanding
5. Strong

She actually said "I think I have certain elements of strength about me..." And I followed up with "oh admit it, you are STRONG, Sarah!" Sometimes we need a little reminder that we are made up of wonderful things!

When was a time you felt judged?
"I often judge myself based on how other women talk about themselves. When you have a friend that says things like 'oh, I'm so fat' or 'I look so ugly' it triggers insecurities within myself and I start thinking 'what if I am fat or ugly?!' So I think it's just that when other women speak negatively about themselves, I jump to judging myself."

Sisters, this hit me hard right in my mama heart. I have a tendency to be self-deprecating and this answer just totally derailed all of my excuses as to why it is "okay." I have two daughters who hang out in the bathroom with me daily while I get ready and I know they are watching my every facial expression and will mimic me. Remember that talking down to yourself is hurtful; both to your beautiful soul and to those around you. Thank you, Sarah, for the loving reminder!
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​​How do you show compassion to yourself?

"I think there are always areas of yourself that you may not like, but I like to find ways to show love to myself and think of how I can wear and do things that make me look and feel good. But I also work on not talking down to myself and reminding myself of my strengths.

What matters most to you?

"To be honest, I am kind of always living for the future. I'm so ready to marry Oakley, I will be so much happier when I have my Master's degree, etc. and I have often times missed the middle. The right now. But we really aren't promised tomorrow and this middle part is just as important - I want to be someone who loves well and is loved in the now."

Sarah, thank you for your honesty in sharing your story. Thank you for reminding us all that there is true beauty in loving ourselves and those around us. Thank you for being a part of the sisterhood, we are so happy to have you!

{All photos are property of Simply Sisterhood and Gonzalez Guillen Photo. Please refrain from cropping, editing or copying photos.}