Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall...

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see the familiar face that has accompanied you on your life journey, or do you see what you [and others] 'perceive to be' the negative aspects [wrinkles, spots] of your journey? As we age, there certainly are physical changes, and yet there are also emotional/intellectual changes that can't be seen.

The eyes are the windows of the soul. You can read happy, sad, coldness, lying...character. All in the eyes. Eyes fascinate me.

My eyes are the one constant in my life, and they are the same as they were at my birth. Everything else [ears, nose, and body] continue to grow as we age. Not our eyes!! We are born with them fully grown, which is probably why when you look at a baby's face...those eyes are a compelling force!! And when you look at your face in the mirror, the 'eyes' have it.

I have to say that the rest of my 'physical presence' goes more unobserved by me. When I see a photo or reflection of myself...it's like...ooff! I forget that 'it is that what others see'...cause I am on the inside looking out. What I see on the outside [hazel eyes, brown hair, chubby, with some gnarly hands] is totally different from what I perceive of myself on the inside. [ positive temperment, creative thinker, a kind person, cherishes laughter!!] What brought this on...you may wonder.

I was watching The View and the star of the movie 'Precious' was relating that she sees herself as beautiful [Kudos to her!] She was not bragging, as it was merely stated in the conversation with the ladies. Public opinion from an early age and from our peers usually wins in the defeat of the spirit as it emphasizes what is 'acceptable' and not. Also, there was an editorial column in the newspaper about the main character [Alphaba, otherwise known as the wicked witch of the west] in the musical 'Wicked'. And I quote Andrea Stratton[ from ' The Citizen' newspaper]:

"Wicked portrays the Wicked Witch of the West, Alphaba, as a young girl, who due to her appearance, was always an outcast. She sought love and acceptance from her family, which she never received, having few friends who would give her a chance, primarily due to her appearance. The inner beauty that she possessed was not in evidence at first glance. This seems to parallel the lives of people with disabilities , who are in constant battle with the perception of their character versus the true abilities they possess. Often, as children, we classify the popular by looks and talent. I believe this perception can stay with us and cause reactions to people whose appearances are different- reactions that might not be formed if we could see inside the heart." She goes on to say that your appearance generally cannot reflect the heart that lies within each of us.

There is the saying, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. Well, many 'beholders' have been skewed by the media and the cultural perception of what is 'acceptable' and the effects perhaps have reached far beyond the teenagers.

I have a book: "Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart" by Gordon Livingstone M.D. Great insights!

I am content with the person that I have evolved into...

Just keep those mirrors under wraps!

I relate better to the view on the inside!!