My Shadow

Shadows get a bad wrap.

Lurking in the shadows, is usually something dark and sinister.

But today, I had a different realization.

I was walking Remington this morning and noticed my shadow in front of me, leading the way. My shadow was that of someone that I am not totally sure I recognized and accepted. It got me thinking….

(you know that is trouble)

What did I see in my shadow? A Woman, A Active Woman, A Strong Woman, A Fun Woman, A Spunky Woman.

These are not words I would probably have said to myself in my Mirror. But Why?

My shadow did not contain the wrinkles, bruises, scars, or any of the imperfections I see in the Mirror, it was a more general image of myself with the parts I am most critical of, removed! We spend so much time critiquing the parts of us that are flawed rather than celebrating the parts of us that are wonderful and we exhibit this behavior all the time.

Have you ever complimented someone on their Outfit, Hair, Success, Home, etc, only to have them say something like “Oh this is so old”, “Uggh, my color is so faded, i need to get it done again”, “There were others so more successful”, or pointing out every flaw in their home that no one but us sees. We have all done it.

My best friend said to me very seriously the other day, “Would you do something for me?” I was a little nervous as she was so serious and asked “What?” She said “Please start smiling more in your photos? Its so pretty.” My immediate response was “but I have a gap in my front teeth?” She had a come to Jesus moment with me, and it was beyond the smile (she might not have realized it until reading this blog.). I was reminded that others do not see us the way we do, we are so critical and unaccepting of the imperfections, we hide behind them and make sure to point them out when receiving any praise.

I hope you will take a moment and look at your shadow leading the way, you may see yourself in a whole new Light (or shadow.). I am going to remember this moment of this morning and all the positive things I said to myself and love the whole self, not pick apart in imperfections.