An open letter to…You.
To whom it may concern <ahem, that would be You>:
It’s time to embrace who you are today. Instead of hoping, wishing, can’t-waiting to be *that* someone you don’t think you are today but somehow think you ought to be, in some shape or form, tomorrow, in two weeks, six months, a year…
Take just one minute out of your day – every day – to look in the mirror. Really look in that mirror. Tell the person you see that you love them…and why. If you’re strapped for time, just pick one thing about that person in the mirror that you love and tell them. Out loud. Every day.
Accept the things you can control, and push aside those that you cannot. Quit wasting time letting your mind cycle through those out-of-your-control things and accept who you are, where you are, what you are. Acceptance is a beautiful thing. Learn it.
And above all else? Be your own best friend. Not your enemy. You’d never tear down your best friend. You’d praise them. You’d never judge them. You’d encourage them. You’d never doubt them. You’d have full confidence in them. You’d accept them for who they are, right where they are. Always.
With much love,
Me.
I needed this right now. I have spent the past half hour thinking about whether the dress I’m wearing is smaller than it was last year when I last wore it. Who cares, right? And for the record, I think it fits the same.
Oh I am SO glad this helped you!! Look in that mirror and smile and say “I look great” in that dress. It is *not* too small. It fits perfectly. And you are beautiful just the way you are. (and strong, too).
two things:
1) you are amazing!
2) i’m saving this post
thank you
<3
Yay! I’m so glad this resonated with you!!
You know, I really love the idea of taking a minute and looking at yourself and saying something positive. I don’t do that enough for myself, but I do it for everyone else.
I think it’s an important practice to get into the habit of doing – I’m great at complimenting others, praising them, etc., but not so great at doing that for myself. Goes back to being your own best friend, right?
Love this!! And it’s SO true for me, now, since I’ve lost all control over my body…I have to just accept – and love – me for me…even though it’s hard sometimes.
Yes, yes you do, my dear. Love your body for that beautiful child it is growing and nurturing inside your belly. Praise it for being strong and healthy and able to carry the sprout so safely!
Love this sis. And ya know…I kind of did this this morning in the mirror and surprised myself, given where my mind was yesterday. Very well put. XOXO
If you couldn’t tell, I was writing that letter not just for all of us, but was really thinking of you when I wrote this last night. Love you sis.
I totally adore you two, can I be an adopted sister? (Cuz you know, you don’t have enough already hehe)
We’d welcome another sister – the more the merrier, hehe
beautiful post! we all need this reminder from time-to-time…or everyday?
xo
I vote, everyday!
I love this post. It definitely resonates and hits home. Thank you for posting!
Thank you!! So glad you stopped by
AWESOME!
These words are never said enough. Thank you.
You are very welcome
Thank you Jess! This was the reminder I needed this morning. I am on the right path just where I am today!
xoxo
Laura
Yes!! Love that you are on the right path, that is the best feeling!
Love this
Thanks for the reminder I don’t do this nearly enough.
You are such a positive person – so glad you are in my life (if only on the computer)!!
Aww, and I’m so glad YOU are in my life!! I’m thinking I ought to trek out to the Cleve in the near future to meet you and the other fabulous bloggers in the area, you’re surrounded by some goodies
All I can say to this is “YES”.
Can our lunch on Saturday just be one big love fest?
Why yes, yes it CAN! I can’t wait!!!
I feel like I need to print this out and stick it on my mirror.
And yes, acceptance is a beautiful thing.
I think I might print this and stick it on my fridge or mirror or somewhere I’ll see it everyday (maybe my closet door??) and will remember to be my own best friend, no matter what.
Aw, so sweet! Love this.
I wrote it just for “you”
I needed to hear this today. Thank you!
*hug*
(((hugs)))
Thanks, that was a great boost for the day! It is true though, we need to stop being so rough on ourselves and give ourselves a break now and then.
Exactly – we often set such high standards, but rarely do we take the time to sit back and appreciate that hard work.
i needed to hear this today. Time to be my own best friend, well said!
BFFs 4-eva (hehe remember that from grade school??)
Love it Jess, very inspirational! All women need to remind themselves of this EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
I absolutely agree. And I just did this very thing today – I looked in the mirror and I told myself that I look good. And it made me smile. That’s all it takes sometimes.
OMG We were SO on the same wavelength.
I love this, you’re an amazing, inspirational woman, and your words are so true. <3
I’m so struck by just HOW on the same wavelength we are lately – and to think we only recently “met” in twitterland recently, long lost blog buddies??
I heart this so much, Jess. You know…I’ve noticed a lot recently that you have this way with words that really motivates people. You’re the type of person that should do motivational speaking. Not in the cheesy sense, of course. Some of those can get out of hand.
But you just have this sense of empowerment in your blog “voice”.
PS: Thanks for the shout out.
Aww really? I honestly just write from the heart every time I post a blog – and to be honest, I wrote this particular post on a whim, and in about five minutes. But in those five minutes I found myself with tears in my eyes, because what I had written really hit home for me, and I was actually surprised that it seemed to come out of nowhere. Funny how sometimes the best messages or thoughts appear as if from thin air sometimes…
During a workout, I often find my mind wandering to the next workout I have scheduled and I always think of your post on “being present” to reel my mind back in. This will be another post that I think of often. I haven’t blogged some of the more personal growing experiences that I had recently, but “embracing” who you are definitely falls in line with it. Wonderful, wonderful post!
I’d LOVE to hear how you’ve been embracing who you are!!!
Pingback: 6 months later, a thank you | EatDrinkBreatheSweat
Pingback: Choosing happiness, no matter where you are “planted.” « Let Me Be Whats Underneath
Pingback: Paying it forward – my way. | EatDrinkBreatheSweat