When I was in middle school, my hair slowly curled. This may not sound monumental, but it was. For 12 years, my hair was perfectly straight (except for the ringlets I had when I was really little). I hated my new curly hair. I hated it because I didn’t know how to style it, and I was made fun of by a few nasty girls at school because it always ended up being frizzy by the end of the day. At one point I remember saying that I wished I was bald, which is completely and totally horrendous. I only truly liked looking in the mirror when my hair was straight, which I promptly asked for each and every time I got my hair cut.
But that’s where the problem lies.
I love Bobbie Thomas. She’s my favorite contributor on the TODAY Show, so naturally I loved reading her fashion tips yesterday on Style Me Pretty Living. And then there’s her wedding, which was set at Kathie Lee Gifford’s home. Oh my word. But I digress. The quote above from her Q&A on SMP Living really struck a chord with me because how many times do we truly look in the mirror and not look for flaws? As much as I would love to say never, I can’t.
Slowly, I’ve come to love my hair. Mainly because I learned how to style it (!!), but there are still days when I look in the mirror and am shocked by how frizzy it became throughout the day or I’m disenchanted because I found a few strands of gray (I’m only 25, guys! Eek!). Other times I focus too much on the small breakout that I wish would just disappear (like yesterday!) rather than the fact that my blouse makes my eyes look really blue.
Photo via The Hunted Interior
After I read Bobbie’s Q&A yesterday, I looked into my mirror while getting ready and left myself completely alone. I didn’t wish for the ability to change anything. I saw my curly hair as the feature that defines me rather as something I want to change (because I really love it now). I thought about putting on mascara, but instead I spent the day makeup free. I saw a girl who has become a strong athlete with her own power to cross the finish line of a half marathon in a little over a week rather than someone who wishes her body would allow her to run just a little bit more without becoming out of breath. Most importantly, I saw someone who is full of life. And I definitely want to live it spending more moments celebrating who I am rather than what I want to change.
Look in your mirror and really look at who you see. That girl is really beautiful, strong, and talented. Let her shine, “flaws” and all. Love what you see.
Thank you for the reality check, Bobbie.
I love your Friday posts! Thank YOU for the reality check :)
Beautiful quote and post. Thank you for sharing – I would do well to be nicer to myself too!
Thank you so much, Sarah. I’m so happy to hear it was helpful to you too. I was so very struck by Bobbie’s quote. I think we would all do well to be nicer to ourselves (and others).
At my age it is very difficult to get past my wrinkles and aging body. I have to be grateful for other things, such as my family and friends. But, I guess we have to be grateful for our good qualities and not worry about the not so good. After all I don’t look too bad for an old Aunt. Love you Carly. I love you. You are beautiful!