This month I want to share a little episode that happened to me because I found it to be a great inspiration, and I hope you'll find it inspirational too.
You have to know that I'm not exactly pretty. Never been. Let's just say that beauty is not my gift. But, but, but, I'm healthy, and I have no missing body parts. I would never replace or cut or mar in any way my appearance in the name of beauty because there are so many people out there who are missing a leg or a hand or have crippling genetic conditions, so imagine how disrespectful it would be toward those people to go under the knife in the name of esthetics. So I compensate with art. I do photography, I write. I try to do beautiful things.
Wait, wait, I actually have a story to tell you, so don't start saying, "Awww, but you're beautiful inside," because you know what reply that will prompt: "Who the hell's gonna come and turn me inside out??" *grin*
Back to my story. I have a friend at work who's really beautiful. She has one of those perfect faces that never age and know no flaws. A few weeks ago we went out to lunch together and out of the blue she told me, "I envy you."
I almost fell off my chair. I said, "What are you talking about, Kate? Did you take a good look at me? And did you take a good look at the mirror? How can somebody as beautiful as yourself envy _me_?"
She shook her head. "You don't understand. This" -- she pointed to herself -- "I had nothing to do with this. I have only my parents to thank for their good genes. But you -- you have talents. And you take full credit for those talents."
I was taken by such surprise that I didn't know what to reply. So I hugged her and thanked her.
Why did I tell you this? Because we all hate some things of ourselves. We all have insecurities. But maybe sometimes we have to learn to look at ourselves with somebody else's eyes and be more forgiving. We are fairly good at forgiving others, so let's learn to do the same with ourselves. :-)
Amen! Love this. It has taken me some years to realize that I am beautiful person on the outside, and it has taken me just as long to forgive myself and learn to be a very gentle friend to myself.
ReplyDeleteShalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/2016/06/iwsg-june-2016-recovery-is-not-matter.html
Aw, what a sweet thing for your friend to say!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what you look like. So I don't know if you're "beautiful" or not. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. What society considers beautiful some people may not consider beautiful. (Not everyone is into blonde hair and blue eyes.) Furthermore, beauty fades. Your "beautiful" friend will not look the same when she's old.
ReplyDeleteInsecure Writer's Support Group - Trust Your Process
That's a really great story and a reminder that we all have something of high value. And she's right - natural beauty takes no talent. What you do as a photographer does.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Personally I'm a terrible person inside AND out, so I should work on that... ;-)
ReplyDeleteIWSG Post June
I've found that to be true as well. Talent is something that we all have, but not all of us use it to our advantage. A talent recognized within us and developed to its fullest potential is the most beautiful thing of all. Having money is nice too, but that's another story.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
That was a lovely thing to say. And no one should be judged based on appearance anyway - there's always a lot more below the surface.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous story. And I'm so glad you wrote it so beautifully here today.
ReplyDeleteI suppose this is a lesson that we all have something that someone else wants and to be grateful for the talents and gifts we have. =)
ReplyDeleteHow nice of her to tell you. We never quite believe how others see us. Our talents set us apart. Others admire how we can write stories, something we take for granted.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this! You have a lovely friend and friendship! We do need to forgive ourselves as well as each other. Let's look beyond the surface to the deep (not the squishy acidic digestive system).
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely story. My mother always said, "Pretty is as pretty does." Cliche I know, but it is truth. She believe it was a person's spirit that held true beauty and you have that in spades.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
She's very observant and it's nice of her to say so. It's nice of you to share it with us. What sage advice. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I like the positivity. I would choose creativity and talent over looks any day. You are amazing and you don't even know it. Wishing you well.
ReplyDeleteThat is lovely! Thanks for the positive vibes. I need them this time of year!
Delete@mirymom1 from
Balancing Act
Thank you all for the lovely comments. I'm glad you liked my (terribly unedited, apologies) story. I hope you all drew some inspiration from it. :-)
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