Thankful Thursday | Femininity

Now that we've entered no-shave November (don't worry, I'm not participating), I'd like to focus on the treat of a holiday coming up. I love the concept of dedicating a day towards gratitude, but in all honesty I spend half of the day glued to the Macy's parade and the other scarfing down so-delicious-but-so-awful-for-you treats. That being said, I would love to talk about things I'm thankful for every Thursday this month--especially things related to the beauty of the world around us.

Today I'm thankful for femininity!

Since this is an art blog, I created a small collage of textures, colors, and materials that make me feel feminine from the exterior.

Too bad I can't afford half of those beautiful things. I guess that means more sewing adventures!

I love that being feminine can mean being sweet, sassy, spunky, and even strong when tough situations arise. Of course I know plenty of wonderful men, but I know that women have a special role that only we can fill just perfectly. My church's Relief Society has created this declaration that I think describes femininity perfectly:

We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction.  As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar.  We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:

Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.

Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.

Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.

Delight in service and good works.

Love life and learning.

Stand for truth and righteousness.

Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.

Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.

I think the world would have a lot of women think that if they can't balance a full-time job, running the PTA, raising perfect children, and dressing impeccably that she just isn't doing her job. Many amazing women, including my mother and close girlfriends, have shown me that women are special because we are nurturing, loving, intelligent, and charitable, and often imperfect. I am so far from mastering a lot of that list I just created, but I think they are all attributes worth working towards.

Women: What are you thankful for as women?
Men: How are you thankful for the women in your life? (or for the perks of being masculine?)