Marked by the Mirror

I've been hearing folk talkin' about losing "COVID weight" often enough. It is in hearing statements like that, when I'm certain of the decay of the vibrant personality within some people. The topic may be their skin color, their financial status, their relationship status, or the way their hair currently looks. Weight isn't always the culprit, but negative thoughts tend to sneak in the mind sometimes, after walking past a mirror.

Some magazines have taught us to develop a strengthened distaste for ourselves; it's unfortunate that many have run along with what's declared as beautiful. In doing so, they've grown sick of their own reflections. Some women "can't take" their curly hair, and prefer it long and straight. Other women have embraced what was naturally, and divinely granted to them. The words "comparison is the thief of joy" come to mind. We've got to stop comparing ourselves to people we do, and do not know!

In the aftermath of a breakup, there's almost always one party who seems free, and ready to move forward; meanwhile, the other party is left broken. They've already begun the slaughter of their self esteem. "Was I not interesting enough?" "Did they fall out of love with me?" "Am I no longer attractive?" "What is wrong with me?"

A day full of vigor, smiles, and energetic music in a person's headphones, can quickly turn into a night of tears, a box of "Puffs" tissue, chunky monkey ice cream, and the Notebook on Blu Ray. If times of self affirmation are maintained, then a person can protect their self esteem, and how they perceive themselves. Looking in the mirror probably wouldn't seem so bad.

The Male Ego:

It is its own natural shield & conflict. Some men boast about how great they are, and how unbeatable they are, and then lose a game and throw a tantrum. The rest of us watch and laugh, but there tends to be moments where the ego is exposed. Every man has an ego, but not every man's ego is improperly sustained. It is is surely affected by his perception, and typically, a woman can bruise a man's ego more efficiently than another man can. Some men should consider this fact, and remember it when speaking to women (especially during an argument).

The perception that men and women have of themselves, can be rewired by plenty of external influences. Many don't tend to be drawn to those influences that are...beneficial, but some are coming to learn of who to allow influential room. The way your closest loved ones see you, can manipulate the way you see yourself. The celebrities, icons, and people of note who you follow on multiple platforms, can influence you greatly. The key to be found is the effect on the mind!

Guarding the avenues to the soul, ensures that NO influences have easy access to your mind. Having the mind cluttered with derogatory terminology, visual preferences from a crush (opposite your appearance), or your own questioning of YOUR skills and abilities, forces the mind into a dispute. The dispute can't possibly be favorable, due to the possible loss of confidence that will arise shortly after. A mind that's clear and in a tranquil state, will bring about healing to the body, in some form.

Some of you reading this may have a monarch in your bloodline. Some of you have inventors, poets, doctors, scholars, bosses and warriors, all throughout your family tree. Take whatever negative feeling you have about yourself, wrap it in tissue, and set it on fire! Burn it!! Many have disrespected themselves so often, that they only see sadness and humiliation in the mirror. You're worth more than even what you see! Open your eyes!