There are days, even months at times, that self doubt and the questioning is there, just beyond, lurking in the shadows. What is it that is within us that draws us to those dark places of doubting ourselves? Is it our lack of self worth? If so where in our journey did we begin to believe that lie? What will it take to convince us that it is indeed a horrific lie?
From childhood, particularly in the south, I was told to stand straight, pay attention and above all never go out in public without your makeup on, dressed properly and to smile. At some point I began to feel that I just did not measure up. My worth was somehow based on what others perceived me to be whether genuine or pretentious. What difference did any of it matter if there was no light in my heart? No sunshine to radiate out of me to others if it was only surface appearance. My self worth began to be based not on my inner strengths but on what validation I received back not even realizing it had happened. I cannot speak for men but I do know so many women who get their validation from everyone other than themselves . Our value and happiness comes from within US not anyone else.
Our smile is our sunshine to others that it’s ok to approach us and we will listen and care about you and your heart. I’m not saying you shouldn’t look your best but it’s your heart that shines through to others not what you are wearing or how good your posture or where you went to school. Nobody other than ourselves can define who we are or how happy we are within our own skin. My heart aches for the one who has been beaten down with this lie…only we can decide if we will be happy! Choose happiness and sunshine today ❤️
Our journeys WILL have shadows and dark nights but our smiling sunshine that’s in our soul will find its way out. Be a ray of sunshine in another’s shadows but don’t forget to lighten up your own shadows first.
Above all know you have worth first to yourself then it will radiate out of you to everyone you touch ❤️❤️🌞
Reflections on Life’s Journeys 