I'm the Imperfect Worm...Just Without All Those Pesky Flaws!

Self-exploration is a life-long process with what seems to be an awful lot of WORK. Evaluating decisions, making amends, adjusting reactions and categorizing relationships. To quote the famous philosopher, Pooh Bear, "Oh, bother!"

I'm the first person to admit to my imperfections and strategically learn how to right wrongs and consistently grow as a human being. Yet, I somehow don't allow myself the option to make mistakes. What a quandary!

You see, I think often times we continue to unknowingly punish ourselves long after those we hurt have forgiven us. It is this deep-seeded guilt and sense of inadequacy that often interferes with integral parts of our lives without us even realizing it.

I have a minor obsession with human psychology and a double major in critical thinking and behavioral science so trust me when I tell you that I am qualified to analyze absolutely no one. But, isn't it intriguing that you're sitting here reading this post thinking, "Man, she nailed it on the head!" Please, hold your applause for the end of the post.

Once you tap into your unconscious and catch these mental self-mutilations, it opens up this whole can of worms. Some will be these big, slimy ones that you can barely even stand to look at and others will be harmless little buggers that you encourage to be on their way. But, a worm's a worm, people. They're gross and unsightly but when dealt with in the proper way, they are no longer a nuisance to you.

So, maybe just for today we can cut ourselves a break. Make a couple of mistakes, learn from them and let's not beat ourselves up with years of internal punishment. Be as forgiving to yourself as you are to others. The applause may commence. ;-)

If Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder, Strike a Pose!

Do you remember a time, long, long ago, before we became a bit cynical and critical of people? Most of us try not to be but let's face it, it happens to the best of us.

That stage of innocence was an amazing time. We loved people for how they treated us, the way they made us laugh or how they comforted us when we needed it most. They were beautiful people inside and we saw them as beautiful on the outside as well.

So, where does the transition come in? When did we begin judging others by outward appearances instead of the genuine person inside? Skin color, attire and perceived social status suddenly becomes our compass for deciding who is worthy of our time.

I started analyzing this topic when my 22-month old son picked up a Victoria's Secret ad the other day. He pointed to a brunette model and exclaimed, "Oh, it's Mama!"

Needless to say, I had a good laugh! But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that what Isaiah saw as beauty on the outside, was the same as the beauty he saw in me, on the inside. So, from his perspective, why wouldn't I be the gorgeous supermodel on the cover?

I think when we start transitioning into superficial beings, we also lose sight of the beauty within ourselves. We become over-judgmental of our looks ("Does this make me look fat?"), our jobs ("What if I'm not good enough?"), our home ("Is my house big enough to impress our friends?") and ourselves ("What do other people want me to be?").

I want to be able to see myself as a supermodel. Not physically (Ok, maybe a little lol) but as a whole being. I want to radiate that beauty into the world and I want it to become infectious. Whatever your ideal vision of beauty is...be it! Whatever your biggest dream is...accomplish it! Whatever your most annoying insecurity is...bury it!

Let's all be on the cover of our own magazine. And let's look at each other the way our kids do....without the imperfections.

I'm ready for my close-up! Cheeeeese!