Embracing You

    “We are all broken. That’s how the light gets in.” – Ernest Hemingway

Brokenness, flaws, imperfections…. These are all viewed with a negative connotation today. Why is it that our flaws or differences from someone else should be viewed as strange or wrong? Why not embrace those flaws because that is what makes us unique and set apart from the crowds. Easier said than done however, because we live in a society and world where perfection is sought after and raised to such a high standard. We all have bodies or lifestyles we label as “goals” for ourselves. Usually those are all a built up façade, but we don’t know that because we can only see the one side being shown us.

What are ways we can embrace our uniqueness? How can we change our take on our imperfections and instead of hating ourselves share those qualities proudly because they are what make us unique. We must learn to be confident and secure in ourselves. Not proud and vain, but confident. When we are confident we find that nothing truly can embarrass or faze us because we are secure in our own selves, and know we are awesome, and the people who truly care about us won’t mind our slip ups here and there. I find personally as well that being more secure in myself as a whole I don’t care about awkward situations or embarrassing moments. I brush them off and move on with a shrug. They are what make us all human and everyone around us has these moments whether they like to admit it or not.

What are ways we can build up confidence and security in ourselves? Trial and error…. We have to learn from falling down and picking ourselves right back up. We learn from taking the time during our day to appreciate the little things around us. The way our loved ones act around us and how they make us feel. The moments during our day when we feel amazing and what made us feel that way. These are all ways that help build us up, because they are positive and real moments that are a part of who we are. I wrote about my gratefulness journal a while ago (post link) and just wanted to check back in because I feel the journal pertains to this post. Finding the little things during my day that I’m grateful for and recording them definitely helps with my security and confidence. It makes me stop and think, “Wow there are actually some really awesome things happening in my everyday life!” Then the happiness and security from those moments seep into the rest of the day and I’m riding a happy wave from then on out.

Another way to help us embrace ourselves would be pep talks. The novel “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett has a famous quote throughout the whole story that sticks with me when I imagine pep talks. “You is smart, You is kind, You is important.” You are all of these things and much much more! Repeating those words to yourself in the morning or any other motivating positive uplifting words you can think of will help. Over time they become a habit and then a part of you. If at first you don’t believe them KEEP saying them because hopefully down the road you will believe them and OWN those words. I was taught growing up to pray that way, practice that way, read that way…. Repeat it over and over. At first it can mean nothing or you can have days where you don’t want to do anything, BUT ultimately if it is really important and good for you it will stick and become part of your person. Don’t let anyone dissuade you from doing it either if it is important to you. By anyone that also means yourself. Do not let your backtalk or insecurities stop you from pushing forward. Everyone is different and everyone has something that is special for or to them. The metaphor of water wearing away a rock also holds true to this practice. Just keep motivating yourself because you are worth it and you are amazing.

I put that quote by Ernest Hemingway first because it is one that I’ve memorized so I can repeat it to myself when I’m feeling down. When I’m feeling broken and not enough I use it to remind myself that my light is shining through my brokenness. I am being real and brave by putting my differences out there, but I am enough. I am more than enough! Don’t let all the pressures and perfection of society try to fill up those cracks that let the light out! Don’t hide that light, instead share it and if it can help others to see their way in the dark… Well even better, because if you are real and confident in your realness and uniqueness then maybe that will make those around you the same way! Let the light coming through your cracks light up a dark world and shine brilliantly! I know that I for one want to see you all shine brightly and confidently, and embrace your differences. I love being able to see everyday the different quirks and traits people have. It’s what makes us all unique and makes life exciting and colorful. Let’s all embrace our uniqueness!

 

S’agapo