You know when you have those days where you look in the mirror and you don’t recognize the woman looking back at you? I’d love to say it’s just aging that I’m struggling with, but I’ve had a life long struggle with my self worth being based on my outward appearance. It started when I was 6 and my babysitter said to me “Tasha your hair is so fine!” And  I thought “ohh I have pretty hair!” not knowing she meant fine as in very thin.   I’m good with complimenting each other on how we look- it’s just when that becomes the main measure of my worth, I know I’ve got to reset myself. So I go to one of my favorites, Louisa May Alcott. I’ve read these words from Little  Women  so many times over the years to center myself. This is the scene after Meg goes to a party all dolled up and comes home disappointed at herself for caring so much.
Jo “Why should we care what anyone thinks?”
Meg ” I do…Its nice to be praised and admired. I couldn’t help but like it. ”
Marmie  “Of course you did. But I only care what  you think of yourself. If you feel that your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear  that someday you might find yourself  believing that that is all that you really are. Time erodes all such beauty, but what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind. your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage. These are the things I cherish so in you. ” Thank you Marmie for reminding me that beauty shines from the inside out. All I need to do to remember is look at the sun as it radiates out into the world and into me bringing me warmth and goodness. So I will listen to Marmies advice today and try to be the Sun for those in my life- shining from the inside out focusing on the workings of my mind, my humor, my kindness and my moral courage. #butterflybtc