9 Things I'd Rather Have Than a Bikini Body

1. A heart that loves big. A heart that loves fearlessly. A heart that multiplies with love and never divides. For most of my childhood, I never showed love. I never told my parents (or anyone) that I loved them, I worked hard to guard my heart against any kind of heartbreak, and shut people out from getting too close. I was wrong; that's not the way to live. We are given big hearts to love on others. To care about people and love with all we've got. I want a heart that loves big and isn't afraid of getting hurt.
2. Hands that serve others. I will not sit here and talk about my community service accomplishments and try to brag that I went on one service trip. In fact, when it comes to volunteering and giving my time to services, I kinda suck at it. I always reason it with my lack of time, but in my heart I know I could be doing more. But, service doesn't have to look like building houses in Guatemala or serving meals to the homeless in Seattle. Service can be as simple as offering to help a busy mama with her kiddos or offering to help your friend clean her room (cause we all have that one friend who needs the help). Service is simple, and I want to serve.
3. A mind that wonders. I always say my "nerdy hobby" is reading and writing. I actually enjoy reading books and writing easily gets me excited. Trust me, I can not wait for the day I graduate, but I will probably miss being challenged in my thinking from the obnoxious guy next to me in class. I might miss feeling overly accomplished knowing I solved the hard math problem on the SAT. I desire to be challenged so that my ideas may grow and change. I desire to dream big dreams, inspired by the world around me. I never want to stop wondering, stop questioning, stop dreaming.
4. Feet that follow. I am naturally a control freak. I like to plan, be in charge, and be the one in control. Unfortunately, God's plan rarely matches up with mine. I hope that my feet would follow in His plan and that I would be confident for the future, for I know the One who holds it.
5. Legs that lead. Might seem contradictory to my previous point, but hear me out. I don't want to settle for what is "normal" in the world. If normal is one night stands and meaningless hookups, I want a boy who cherishes and protects my heart. If normal is never remembering the night before, I want meaningful memories from late night talks and adventures. Don't be afraid to stray away from what the world categorizes as "normal". Be the one who leads away from "normal".
6. Eyes that see the good in people. I will wholeheartedly admit I am completely guilty of joining in on the tea-sesh where every one in the circle is venting about a very difficult to be around person. However, instead of seeing people's faults and their worst qualities, I want to see the good. I want to be able to say nice things about the guy who makes my life miserable daily. I want to love the difficult people, because I see the true goodness in their heart.
7. Ears that listen to truth. That mean comment you overheard in the lunchroom, that's not truth. That rumor you heard about her from last Friday night, that's not truth. The lie you tell yourself when you look in the mirror, that's not truth. Truth was defined at the beginning of Creation. Truth is knowing who you truly are and not letting your confidence falter when lies challenge it. In spite of the negativity towards me, I will choose to dwell in the truth that I am loved, cherished, chosen. 
8. Lips that speak life into others. I am doing no good if the only words from my mouth are words that tear down others. No matter who argues against it, words are powerful and they have the power to speak life and to speak death. I want my words to uplift people, speak truth, and leave a positive impact on the world.
9. A soul that aches for Jesus. My faith is what fulfills me. I desire to deepen my relationship with Jesus and live a life chasing Jesus, over chasing the world. Chasing Jesus will leave you satisfied and joy-filled, chasing the world can only lead to temporary happiness and disappointment.