filed in Daily Life
Are You Generous When You Gaze in the Mirror?
Mirror Mirror by Rick Finkelstein
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8 comments for “Are You Generous When You Gaze in the Mirror?”
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I’ve come a long way from the avoidance of any mirror that showed me from the neck down. I’m VERY generous now! Yes, I usually like what I see (maybe not every day, but most days). I know this is superficial, but a good preen in front of the mirror can elevate my morning mood (at least until the first work-related problem arises).
I know that one’s validation (or disapproval) of oneself shouldn’t come from one’s looks–I get that intellectually. But psychologically, some of mine DOES come from that source. I just work to make sure that i get a positive reaction from seeing myself in a mirror.
It’s all about attitude. Work it!!
Oh, and that could totally be me in that Mirror Mirror artwork above–except I’d NEVER have that wallpaper 😉
Good lighting is key. And I tend to go for bathroom walls that are a variation of white.
I’m pretty brutal when it comes to looking in the mirror. Friends tell me I carry my weight well, but the doctor would like me to lose weight. Couple that with a nagging Achilles issue, I become a vicious critic of my body. It’s tough too when you turn on the TV and you have women griping about wearing a size 12. I mean, come on! I just do my best to stay fit and try to cultivate a more positive body image.
We should aim to be generous with ourselves. It’s good practice.
I’m fine with the bathroom mirror, but critical with the full-length one. I try to stay away from it as much as possible, i.e. only to check a skirt length. I remember reading a magazine article about women who removed mirrors from their homes. That’s brave.
Any chance I could say “Both”? I find that what I see in the mirror imitates both my mood and purpose for looking. If I’m just brushing my teeth in the morning, I don’t see anything better or worse than it actually is. If I’m trying on outfits for a new date or job interview, the nerves can effect what I see, usually to my detriment. If I’m dressing up for an event I’ve been looking forward to (concert, party, wedding), I think I look fantabulous.