I've reached the stage of not being able to hide my flaws. Any of them–> My too flabby tummy, my aged skin, my bitterness….all of it. It clings to me like a thick sweater on a hot humid day (like today, it's a killer 101 degrees). There are so many issues to deal with when you're a woman. I haven't met one lady who wants to flaunt her flaws. Everyone tries to hide behind something, right?
Hello… Spanx? Makeup? Botox? Counseling?
As a consumer of all of those at some point or another, I can say the real me is still there when I crawl into bed at night. Somehow we convince ourselves that indulging in some sort of COVER UP will hide any ugly attribute we might possess. For some, it does…for a while. But just like taking off your Spanx and letting it all hang out, God sees right through our facade and so do those around us.
Being saggy isn't attractive and neither is someone with a bitter heart. Have you ever been around someone who hates everything? Or everyone? It's depressing! I've spent time wallowing in this pit myself…so I feel educated in pointing it out. Everyone around you feels trapped by your negativity and it really brings morale down. I call it being a basement person. It pulls others down.
Life has a way of knocking us around and beating us up. Before you know it, being cynical or snarky slithers it's way into every word and action. It becomes second nature to be harsh. This isn't healthy for us or anyone who has to be around us.
So what can we do? How can we make-over our flaws?
1) Begin with the WORD. God has never steered me wrong when I focused my mind and heart on scripture. I know that I need a healthy dose of Bible time in order to maintain my heartATTUDE!
2) Listen to the people who LOVE YOU. No one enjoys criticism, ever. Sometimes it's meant for our good. (Don't get the idea that I'm spreading mean-spirited behavior) If someone calls you out on a behavior..thank them and take some time to reflect on its validity. You might find something you do need to change.
3) Write down 5 positives about yourself EVERYDAY. I promise, if you take the time to do this you will see change in your outlook immediately. You and I need encouragement…why not give it to yourself? Pretty soon, you'll be giving it to other's too!
4) Find something you LOVE and do it! For me, I really love being home and taking care of my family. For you, it might be riding alone in the car with the radio blaring out the windows. Each of us decompress differently. Figure it out and make time to enjoy yourself. If not daily then weekly or bi-weekly! Mmmk?
I don't mind using my own weaknesses here if it helps just one person to make a change for the better. I never get tired of telling my secrets because I've learned…everyone wants the same thing–to be loved and accepted for who they are. Flaws and all.
My ideals may not match yours and that's okay. Just know, there isn't a more important job than being your child's parent. They're watching everything you do or don't do.
