I'm learning; I'm growing.... I'm figuring out how to recognize my great qualities; figuring out how to see myself through kind, forgiving eyes rather than under the unflinching glare of total scrutiny with which I typically choose to evaluate myself. (I have always been my harshest critic.)
It's not easy...... Life's a process and I am, as always, a work in progress. But I know myself better now than I did this time last year. And that's good. In fact, it's all good... It took me a while to figure that out, but I am finally at peace with it.
The only opinion of me that really matters is the one I have of myself. And today made me see that I am a confident, attractive (albeit perhaps NOT in the traditional sense of that word), vivacious woman who has many talents to offer this world.
I have finally come to understand that humility is honorable; humiliation is not. And so, for what it's worth - (and that's probably not much. Ha!) - here is my advice to you:
Don't speak so unkindly about yourself. Ok, so perhaps you don't fit Hollywood's definition of "success" or "beauty" but you have qualities and talents that make you absolutely unique; that make you truly invaluable on this crazy fucked up planet we call earth. We all have the power to make a difference - be it little or be it earth-shattering. Find your passions; seek out your talents.... pursue those things that bring joy to your soul; reach out and find ways to help those around you.... whether they be neighbors, friends, members of your community or strangers halfway around the globe.
Give without expecting anything in return; love without holding back; be silly, be a little crazy, stop worrying about what others will think of you; and never, ever take life for granted because, as recent events have certainly taught me, the cold reality is indeed that none of us know what's around the corner...
