My mother passed away in May. I found it to be a confusing transition in my life. For all the times my mom wasn't the best mom, there is one thing that she taught me that has shaped the person I have become. It is the one thing I will pass onto my children.
I had come home upset from elementary school after several days of relentless teasing for my severely crooked teeth. I was maybe 7 or 8 years old. My mom stood me in front of a mirror and told me to list all the things that made me beautiful.
I told her that I had pretty eyes because they were a special color, that my freckles looked like the sun had kissed me, that my lips were pretty because they were shaped like a bow. Then I told her I was really smart and good at school, and that I was nice to everyone.
I asked her what she liked about herself, and she said her full lips, high cheek bones, dark hair, long fingers, that she could still do cartwheels with me, and that she was kind and helpful to other people.
She told me that when I look in the mirror I need to only see all those things that make me beautiful. This is the foundation of my confidence, the surety of knowing who I am, and living my life unapologetically.
I hope to give my children the same gift of high self-esteem and confidence. I regularly ask my children what things they are good at and what makes them feel proud. I admire them and tell them why often. When the time is right, I plan to look into the mirror with them, and ask them to tell me why they are beautiful.
No comments:
Post a Comment