So I have been thinking a lot about something that happened to me earlier this week. My relief society presidency came to see me on Sunday since my husband and I just moved into a new ward a few weeks ago. She was very polite and friendly and was easy to talk to. As we were talking somehow it came up that she was a little insecure and was a little hard on herself. When I heard this I was really shocked. All I could think was why in the heck was she? I saw absolutely nothing about this woman that should cause her to be insecure.
the very next day I saw the same woman at a memorial day BBQ and was further surprised by what I saw there. She told the funniest stories, I cannot remember laughing so hard for a long time! I saw her children there looking into her eyes with obvious admiration and love. She talked to other guests with the greatest of ease and by the end of the evening I was totally jealous of her. I could not believe that this awesome woman was so hard on herself and I seriously wanted to let her know that she should be proud of who she is. I didn't though because it seemed weird at the time. Unlike writing about her in a blog post, you know, because that isn't weird at all (written with heavy amounts of sarcasm).
Before I start to sound really weird, I want to let you know that this post isn't about this one woman. It is about all of us. It is becoming increasingly rare to meet person who doesn't have something about themselves that they really just hate. I have heard numberless mothers say they are failures. I have talked to countless women who's mirrors and scales fill them with masochistic ambitions. I have know multitudes of people who think that there isn't anything special about them. I have been there myself and it really is a terrible feeling. Every time I hear people talk about themselves this way I am always surprised. I see these people as mothers who give everything to their kids and really should look at the amazing things they have accomplished and pat themselves on the back. I see people who look healthy and attractive and who should not let a number on a scale determine how beautiful they are. I see people who have a great deal of intelligence who have talents I could only dream of. Other people see these things in them too but how is it they cannot see it? How is it we can so easily see beauty, talent, and goodness in others then look at ourselves and sigh?
When did self-loathing become so normal? I know not everyone suffers from issues like this and I got to say way to go to those who don't! To everyone else I want to seriously congratulate you on being yourself. God did not make you into Jennifer Lawrence on purpose, he made you into you because he wanted someone like you on the earth. He gave you weaknesses so that you could learn how to become strong. This life isn't about being perfect, it is about working on it as best you can. See yourself as you are, flaws and all, and know that you are lovable. Please stop thinking of yourself so harshly because there is someone out there who is looking at you and thinking, "Wow, I wish I was like you."
