You always see the beauty in a passing cloud
You're
the one who fixes me when I'm down
And you don't think twice, do you?
You
could find one diamond in a mine
But you're the one who's shining from miles
around
And you don't see that, do you?
Hey
you, it's your turn to
See the beauty in yourself
Just like you tell
everyone else
Hey you, am I getting through?
If you would only see
yourself
The way you see everyone else
The way I always see you
I see
you, hey you
Hiding in the background
Thinking you're not
pretty
Holding back your thoughts
Cause who's gonna listen?
Hiding
behind a half smile
Hey, it's such a pity
Everybody's missing out
While
you're busy
Holding it all inside, inside
Hey you, it's your turn
to
See the beauty in yourself
Just like you tell everyone else
Hey you,
am I getting through?
If you would only see yourself
The way you see
everyone else
The way I always see you
I see you.Lyrics taken from Miranda Cosgrove's "Hey You". (You may also know her as iCarly.)
I apologize for all the wordage this week. This topic is something that is close to my heart and has struck a cord within me. How does a mother go about raising up confident, self assured individuals who love themselves, particularly when she herself has never learned how? (You can forgo the writing and link your posts below...)
If I could choose just one thing to accomplish before I die, I would throw every ounce of energy I could possibly muster into breaking the cycle of low self esteem in this family. Last April I wrote a piece entitled, "I Am Beautiful", inspired by Jill Samter's Project. My battle with self image has been ongoing since my earliest recollections. This ugly curse often times prevents me from being who I am meant to be. As I agonized over the words for that post, the thought that it could be controversial or misunderstood never once crossed my mind. But regardless of our outward appearance, these feelings are real. I don't need you to tell me I'm beautiful, I need you to let me be me and work through the inner demons that I face on a daily basis.
If we don't teach our children to love themselves now, they may be inflicted with a life of torment, never being able to see themselves for who they truly are. "Young people are like sponges accepting other's assessment of them as fact. Those hidden wounds often never heal and resurrect themselves time and again over the years." (Soul Awakening)
As mothers we want nothing more than to protect our children at all costs. We shelter them from unnecessary afflictions and injustices. We kiss boo-boos, rock them when they're sick, wipe away tears, listen when they have a broken heart... We even go to battle when they've been bullied. But when it comes to teaching self worth, I'm at a loss. If I could I'd shout it from the mountaintops so they knew just how beautiful they are. Because unlike sickness or broken hearts or even bullies (that can hurt for awhile and then be healed), there is no easy mend for a child with low self esteem.
I want my daughter to know that she is beautiful- both inside and out. Her countenance is radiant. Her smile is contagious. Her moxy is admirable (and will serve her well throughout her life). Her thoughtful, sweet nature and ability to laugh is beautiful. And her passion for life is nothing short of inspiring. She is a one-of-a-kind daughter of God with infinite worth! I only hope that one day she sees herself as I do...
