What's a girl to do?

I want so badly to be like Mary.

She's beautiful. She's pure. She's the epitome of holiness.

She's everything I want to be.

There's just one problem, I don't know how to be like her (and trust me I've tried). I've prayed for the grace to emulate her. I've prayed that I grow in each of the ten Marian virtues. But no matter what, I don't feel like I'm getting closer. She still seems so far out of my league. 

The one aspect of Mary that particularly alludes me is her purity. How do I even begin to mirror her purity; she's called "Virgin Most Pure" for crying out loud! I, on the other hand, am so easily tempted. How do I love as she loves, purely, patiently, giving completely of herself?

I guess I have to remember first of all that Mary was human, just like I am. She was flesh and blood, not some angelic being. Therefore, it is safe to say that she was tempted, although she never gave into temptation and sinned. She is Queen of Virgins, not because she was never tempted, but because she overcame those temptations (by God's grace, of course) and remained pure. 

I can do the same. Yes, it will not be easy, but it is possibly. Mary ought to represent not an unattainable goal but the proof that victory is possible.

What I'm still wondering is: how does one practically live out a love like Mary's, especiallyin a romantic relationship?

Thoughts?

A Much Needed Reminder

Good Question.

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" Corrie Ten Boom

"Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today, will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering, or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings." -St. Francis de Sales

So needed in the face of a busy part-time job, preparing for my first full-time teaching job, and planning my wedding .

True Love Hurts

"It is not enough to say, 'I love you.' Not enough; do something. And that something should be something that hurts you. Because true love hurts. When you look at the Cross, you know how Jesus loved us. He died on the Cross because He loved you and He loved me. And he wants us to love like that."

Bl. Mother Teresa

Know.

"Only if there is love, if hearts are opened, can one person truly know the other."
  Pope Benedict XVI