There will come a time when you will catch your reflection in the mirror and stop to really see yourself.
You will see … you.
at 48, I finally accepted my naturally curly hair.
You will see a person who’s made their way in life, who has caused hurt, been hurt, laughed, cried, stumbled, loved and been loved.
You will see you as you really are and you’ll notice … when you lean in to look closer … that the creases around your eyes and the lines near your mouth …only go where the smiles have been.
You’ll notice the shape of the body that carries you every day and maybe you’ll take a moment to be amazed at all it does .. and tries to do … when asked. You’ll feel sorrow for the times you’ve taken it for granted and not rewarded it for hard work.
You’ll contemplate the many thoughts and ideas that cross your mind every day, every hour, every minute and you will realize who’s in the reflection; you’ll finally see your spirit living inside.
This moment may cause you to step back.. but then … you will take inventory of those who occupy the warmest spaces of your heart; those who love and support you and those whom you love and support. And you will begin the eviction process for those who’ve wounded you and left marks upon your soul.
You will realize that the time has come; the time has come to accept all that you are and to finally see all you bring … to the world.
The time has come to be thankful, to be accepting, and most of all, to be loving. For if you cannot do this for that person in the mirror, how can you pretend to do it for anyone else?
We are more than the sum of our parts; join me and give thanks for every step of life’s pathway.
I think you must have been pretty aware all of these years because you look great inside and out…
well thank you .. seriously just a work in progress! Cheers, MJ
Again I say, “Excellent!”
Thank you, Lenore. Now go look in the mirror and give that reflection some lovin’!
🙂 MJ
I know what you’re saying, and that there’s plenty to be thankful for…though when I look in the mirror or at a situation in my life I usually think “it could be worse. I could be going through this alone.”
Isn’t that the truth? My goal is to be as generous to myself as I am to everyone else .. some day….
MJ
Your boys have a beautiful mom and your ‘hubby’ has such a beautiful wife. Great picture and caption.
You are giving me a nudge to change that ‘gravatar’… I feel a bit challenged.
Well, thank you, Georgette. I think more of us struggle to be accepting of ourselves than not; I love your gravatar! 🙂 MJ
Beautiful words and beautiful thoughts…I don’t know why self-acceptance is so difficult for most people. It has been for me, but I began to be comfortable in my skin about the time I turned 40 and this year (my 50th) has really brought the need for self-acceptance home to me. And thank God, I know who I am and where I stand…not perfect, but loving, and trying with a sincere heart. And that’s enough.
Thank you for this.
Sheila
Yes, I certainly see your “sincere heart” in the words you write, Sheila. Thank you for weighing in; I agree … the contemplation began in my 40s and continues today. It’s only just now that I’m learning to be as kind to myself as I try to be to others. Cheers! MJ
I’ve come to love my naturally-curly hair. Love yours too!
After 40+ years of fighting it, it keeps coming back for more … time to just accept it and roll with it! 🙂 Cheers MJ
Absolutely beautiful encouraging words. I am going to save this and take a look at it when I am having a down day, because it certainly brightened my spirits. Thank you.
Aww .. thank you Jessie, I’m glad you “get it.” MJ
I can only say “Wow”. This is an amazing post. I may learn to accept my wrinkles (may as well: can’t do anything about them!)!
Thanks for this: it’s special! Just like you. I love your way with words.
Dianna, I sure do appreciate your generous comments; just remember .. the lines only go where the smiles have been! 🙂 Cheers. MJ
I’m learning to accept the curls as well – in this heat and humidity, may as well. However, I am still at war with the sudden appearance of silver in places. When will I let that go as well? Probably never – yikes!
I hear you, Renee … the silver lightning bolts at the temples are a bit at odds with my inner 9 year old 🙂 Cheers! MJ
I value and appreciate reading the wisdom you share. Thank you for looking in the mirror and loving the reflection you see.
And those cheekbones! 🙂
you are so sweet, thank you for your kind words. Now .. go find a mirror and give that lil gal some lovin’!! MJ
it’s not the age, it’s the attitude. each step along the way has it’s own beauty that has nothing to do with wrinkles or fat thighs (i’m not casting dispersions here…). it’s what’s inside that counts…great post.
you got it, Coop. And a confident smile is the best accessory there is (from a previous post). Cheers! MJ