Day 3

Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?



Beautiful Danika with her girls

I first met Danika in college. She intimidated me and made me a bit nervous (she'll be surprised to read that!). She had been at Western since she was a freshman, and I was a transfer student, so I was a newbie. We were both starting the Human Services program as juniors and I knew NOBODY and she knew EVERYONE, or at least it seemed like she did! I remember thinking how confident, self-assured, outgoing, engaging, friendly cute, perky and athletic she was! ***Side note - Danika is a runner. Not a part-time, when I feel like it runner either. I had the bright idea to run with her one time - hahahaha! What a joke on me that was!! That ended our lets-run-together relationship.

I have fond memories of the first few years of friendship - Core, studying, hanging-out, partying - she told me her house was only a "few" blocks from downtown Bellingham, when we decided to walk home after a night out. It wasn't. And she kept wanting to sit down on the side-walk and rest. And it was cold. We worked together for a year, right out of college and it was great. I knew then that Danika was a forever-friend.

Life has taken many twists and turns and through it all, she continues to be an inspiration of beauty to me (read my Day 1 post). She has a great attitude about life, even when things haven't gone smoothly or how she planned them (she's a planner, like me!) She's a wonderful mother and teacher - she is patient and kind and oh-so creative. I remember when my neighbor met her recently (they are going to school together) and how awe-struck and inspired he was by her attitude about life. He saw her Beauty. I don't see Danika very often (we live 80 miles apart, have families, etc. etc.) but she means a lot to me and always makes me feel beautiful!

*Danika - thank you for sharing your Beauty with everyone you meet. Kira and Elke are so lucky to have you as their mom, showing them what true beauty is. Chad is lucky to have you as a partner and I'm lucky to have you has a friend. Love you!!

THE Project 31 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!