Mirror Mirror

You no doubt remember the question the “beautiful” queen asked of her mirror in the classic Disney movie, Snow White.  “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?”  Few of us would ask that question expecting that the mirror would answer us at all much less tell us that we were the fairest, most beautiful.  I came across a very interesting video made by Dove soap that examines how women see themselves versus how others see them.

This is quite an enlightening video.  As a woman, I know I am often very critical of little things (to me they can seem like big things) that I view as “flaws” in my appearance.  We live in a youth oriented culture and everything says to us, no matter how old or beautiful we are, we should be younger, thinner ….just better all around.  Watch this video and think about how you might describe yourself.

Maybe the real key to beauty ….both outward and inward…starts with being grateful for who and what we are.  Is there room for improvement?  Yes always….but until we start accepting ourselves….loving ourselves, how can we ever truly love anyone else.  I think there is a reason that God told us to “love our neighbor as ourselves”.  It wasn’t after all, a suggestion, it was a commandment, that we love ourselves and love those around us as much.

Try making a list of all the things physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual that you like about yourself.  I can almost guarantee you’ll feel better…and more beautiful, after you do.  And think how that will impact the way you see and treat those around you, especially those you love.

Accepting ourselves and loving ourselves leads to more abundant living for us and everyone we meet.  Remember chums, you are beautiful.  As my mother-in-law used to say “God didn’t make any junk!”