We live in a society where topical perfection is a status symbol. Social media, television, magazines, even our own self-talk affects our ability to be able to celebrate ourselves and the unique perfection that each of us holds. Instead, we experience chronic low self-esteem that many of us keep tightly bound in our skins and around our spirits. As a result, instead of the joy we should experience bathing in the freedom of our authenticity – and sharing that freedom with others, our insecurities often lead us to treat other humans, particularly those we find intimidating, with meanness, cutting each other down instead of building each other up.
But here is a small miracle that each one of us can try that will change nearly every experience you have with those we encounter, whether the clerk at the grocery store or the barista making your favorite morning brew: When you find yourself reacting negatively to someone, take a breath, smile, and Be Kind. Compliment one thing you genuinely like or appreciate about that person – maybe they have incredible hair, a great smile or an inflection in their speech that you find interesting. Or just ask about their day. They might feel a little awkward with the compliments, but nine times out of ten, if the energy was negative to begin with – whether it was due to your insecurities or theirs – (or maybe they were just having a bad day) your kindness will turn it around, and you just might learn something about yourself.
If you find yourself having a negative reaction to someone you meet or even on social media, television, etc., with no visible reason, do some soul searching – what is it that is causing your reaction? How does it feel, really? Being positive, feeling blissful and at peace always feels better, doesn’t it? How can you feel your best and share that good feeling with others if you are angry, resentful or insecure? So start celebrating yourself, darling, because you are fabulous. You are worthy. You are amazing! You deserve to shine your light – and you can help others to do the same by celebrating the good you can see in them, even if they can’t see it themselves.
Share love! Give genuine compliments. Build others up – you didn’t get to be the fabulous person you are today without some help and a lot of love from others, so let’s pay it forward. Celebrate others along with yourself. “Love” those efforts people make to share their own authenticity and creativity, even if it isn’t your brand of authenticity and creativity. Remember that when someone shines brightly, they aren’t dimming your own light, but rather giving you loving permission to shine just as brightly.
This Blessed Sacred Life 