This afternoon I sat staring at the reflection of the 40 year old woman who is me.
Lines.
I saw lines.
Around my mouth, between my brows, across my forehead.
Where did they come from? How do they seem to grow deeper by the day?
When did I become so...
Old?
Botox. Maybe that’s what I need. I was covering the gray today; why not hide everything else that reveals my aging body?
The judgement stopped me. I thought of my mom. With locks of lovely spun silver. Crevices around her mouth from which laughter spills. Crinkles surrounding her eyes, deep with love. Wrinkles trolling across a forehead embracing a mind of intelligence and wisdom.
I look like my mom. I look like the beauty who bore me. I am becoming the woman who never has tried to be anyone or anything else.
So it is. I can love myself this way. I WILL love myself this way. I’ll look at this image with tenderness and grace. I’ll ask gently for the preoccupations with perfection to be lifted.
I’ll practice loving you, as you are and as you will be, I said to myself. And I smiled.
Do you struggle to love yourself?
You wouldn't be alone. Our culture invites self-criticism at every turn. It's a profitable market, to have you believe that you're not good enough... pretty enough... lean enough... aging gracefully enough.
Much of the work I do with my coaching clients focuses on the habits that will net us the biggest, boldest, most empowered life. One such habit is called self-compassion.
If you are ready to give up the behaviors that keep you stuck, small, and spinning your wheels, contact me. Share with me your challenges and we'll see if I can help!
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