I have a bad habit of viewing myself negatively. When I look in the mirror, I only notice the things I dislike about myself. I’ve done this for years.
The other night while going through my bedtime skin routine, I stared at myself in the mirror. I stared hard and for a long time. Nothing was really going through my head. I was just observing myself. Every fine line, skin imperfection, every curve, split end, etc.
I do this often, but most nights I sit and tell myself all the things I hate about myself. Such as...
My pores are too large
My skin tone is uneven
Why am I breaking out? I’m not a teenager anymore
I have too many wrinkles – Omg! I’m getting old, I need Botox injections
My lips are too thin
My teeth are crooked
My eyebrows are unruly
My eyelashes are too short
Why won’t my hair grow longer?
Is that a mustache?!?
I could literally sit for hours and do this to myself.
But this particular night was different. As I stared, I thought to myself “You know, Shannon. This is the face and body you’re stuck with for the rest of your life – you better start liking it.” And all of the sudden, I was overcome with a wave of self-love. I began saying things like…
These eyes have seen so many beautiful parts of the world.
These lips have tasted so many wonderful flavors and have kissed many lovers, friends, family, dogs, cats, etc.
This skin has seen so many seasons and I am hopeful that it will see many more.
I just kept going on and on.
It was truly a pure and beautiful moment that I have never quite experienced before. So I decided I would continue the next night. But I wouldn’t stop at my face.
I stared at my arms. I stared at the curves of my muscles and thought to myself…
These arms are so strong and can lift so much. They can perform in ways many couldn’t imagine.
I stared at the tattoos and thought…
These tattoos tell a story. My arms are their canvas. They are unique to me. No one else has arms like these.
Perhaps it’s silly. But it really woke up a beautiful part of me that has been dormant for a long time. I’m hoping to make this a habit and perhaps transform my inner voice and overall perception of myself. I encourage you to do the same.
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