Look At Yourself In The Mirror
Something that I consciously stopped doing since 2023 is blaming myself for everything that went wrong in my life. I am less critical and more compassionate with myself, now. I allow myself time to heal; to ponder and practice self-love; to brood less and bury the past; to slow down and soak in the sound of life; to rub off the wounds and rise from the ashes. It has been a soulful journey of self-discovery. Standing apart as an outsider and viewing myself through another pair of eyes, has been interesting.
Not long ago, I used to spend a good deal of time evaluating my strengths, weaknesses, and readiness to take up an assignment. Today, I seize the opportunity, without second thoughts. Even if I am not the best fit for the job or I am ill-prepared for it at the moment, I sign up with the confidence that I can learn on the job and emerge successful. I have done it in the past and I am sure I can continue to weave that magic. Confidence does something to people. It is a shining armor that masks inabilities and helps fight massive battles, within and outside.
I have made it a ritual to jot down my accomplishments every month and remind myself of my abilities. When I fail or stutter at something, I write down stories of my resilience. It does wonders to boost my confidence. It is like looking into a mirror every morning and seeing a radiant, positive person in it. Self-assurance or self-motivation doesn’t develop overnight. It needs constant practice. It is like building a special muscle; the more we do, the sturdier it gets.
The best thing that happened to me after developing this muscle is, I stopped seeking validation from outside. A voice deep inside keeps cheering and patting my back. I also stopped seeing failures as the end of the world. Marching ahead irrespective of success or failure, is vital. Believing in the journey and relishing the learning it brings, matters more than reaching the finish line.
If there is one quality I urge you to develop and nourish this year, it is that of self-love. You deserve it more than anyone else! All the problems in the world can wait. You are the priority today and every other day! Look at yourself in the mirror and love the form and the soul you see. In its wholeness. With all the scars. Cherish your dreams and the little hopes. Wish you the best in every breath! Cheers!
