March 14, 2019

Jesus Saved Me From a Life of Self-Hate

March 14, 2019/ Carina Alanson

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I used to write mean things about myself in my journal. This week, I decided to get really real and share a few actual quotes.

So (deep breath), here’s a peek at what my 15-year-old self was saying:

“Why am I like this…?”

March 04, 2019

When You Don't Like How You Look: 7 Ways to Learn to Love Your Body

March 04, 2019/ Carina Alanson

As a child, Amy Carmichael was bitterly disappointed by her brown eyes. She so longed for blue eyes that she prayed repeatedly that God would change her eyes from brown to blue. To her dismay, He didn’t.

But, years later, Amy developed a newfound appreciation for how God created her when she became a missionary to India. There, Amy worked to rescue young girls who were enslaved as temple prostitutes…

February 21, 2018

Being Yourself, Part 1: Finding the Courage to be Yourself

February 21, 2018/ Carina Alanson

Have you ever tried—and failed—to change your natural preferences to fit what someone else thought you should be?

When I started my counseling internship years ago, I was preoccupied with learning to dress professionally.

I watched hours of What Not to Wear, and like a marathoner guzzling Gatorade, I gulped down Clinton and Stacy’s advice on how to be fashionable and polished. I learned that bright colors and patterns were compelling; neutrals were boring. Well, I didn't want to be boring...