Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

I hate mirrors.  They unforgivingly tell the truth, or do they?  When we look into a mirror - we must do so with our eyes.  I know, it's a "DUH!" statement - but those eyes are connected to our brains.  So, I think we see not only what is 'actually' there but what our brain says is there. 

I have pre-conceived notions and thoughts about myself dating back to my childhood.  Most are insecurities formed over time that I have allowed to run rampant in my mind - which, I've noticed has jaded my view of...me. 

I don't like to look at myself in the mirror out of fear of what I might see, but even in fear - I cannot help myself but to atleast steal a glance as I pass by one. 

This morning was an ordinary morning.  I got dressed, packed up my computer, stuck my phone and a $5 bill in my pocket - and headed back to brush my teeth before leaving.  Brush in hand, toothpaste squeezed - sideways glance in the mirror stolen...I did a double take.  Why?!  Because I noticed something...my eyes and my brain were seeing the same thing.  My straight-from-the-dryer jeans were baggy, and my once semi-tight shirt was just kinda "hangin there."  WHAT?!?

I have not arrived at my desired health destination - but I'm driving slowly and with purpose.  My goal now is when I pass by a mirror and steal a glance...to find 1-3 positive things that I see.  I don't think it's conceit or arrogant to want to see the positive in one's self; in fact, I think it's healthy.  Too many times do we quickly state what is lacking or negative in us, and never taking in the good.  It's not about vanity, it's about well-being. 

Mirror, Mirror on the wall...I don't care if I'm the fairest of all!!!

Butterflies on the Beach

I'm sure that most people, who have ever ventured to the beach, have noticed many shells along the shore.  I've never been one to 'collect' sea shells - at least not until yesterday.  I took the daughter of a friend of mine to the beach.  As we walked along the shore, waves chasing us up and down the coast, she began to notice a variety of intesting shells, full of character; full of stories yet to be told.  She began to show me with a smile, one after another.  Every so often, she would place one delicately in my hand and say, "Here, Ms. H - you can have this one." 

After a few moments, I found myself searching for interesting shells; sand-filled treasures, and came across a set of shells like the one pictured below.  I said to my young explorer, "Look, a butterfly."  She peered into

my hand, eyes smiling.  "Here, Maria, this one is for you." She turned it over and over in her hand.  She glanced at me, and I knew our mission was set: a search for "butterflies."  It took us a few minutes, but we found another, and another, and another. 

During our search, I learned a very valuable lesson.  My criteria for looking for butterflies were the lack of flaws; practically perfect in every way and brilliant in color.  Maria's criteria was much different.  In fact, I don't think she had any.  She was just so excited to find them, to discover each treasure.  One in particular she handed to me was a beautiful shade of lavendar on the top side, and a deep, royal purple on the underside.  However, the lower, right-hand portion of the "wing" was broken.  I contemplated tossing it aside, but she saw such beauty...so, I held it. 

She didn't see imperfection, she only saw the beauty.  Oh, that I could hold fast to that lesson - one learned from a 10 year old little girl and butterflies on the beach.