SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
The Mirror
We all kick off our day by peering into a mirror. Like it holds the secrets to life—or at least our hair. A mirror can be like that overly honest friend. One minute it’s giving you a confidence boost. The next, it’s making you question every life choice you’ve ever made. It can have you strutting out the door or sulking in your pajamas, contemplating a career as a professional hermit. But remember, it’s not the mirror that’s the troublemaker; it’s what we see staring back at us. So let’s embrace our quirky reflections. We’re all deserving of love, a little self-care, and maybe a good laugh at our morning hair and beyond.
In 1993, my incredible daughter made her grand entrance into the world. It turned out I was hosting a rather hefty party who loved to eat! I’ve always hovered between 118 and 125 pounds during my fabulous late teens and twenties. When I got pregnant in 1993. I decided to balloon to a staggering 230 pounds, like I was training for a sumo wrestling match. I was secretly hoping she’d tip the scales at around 70 pounds, but surprise! That weight was all me. I managed to pack on nearly 130 pounds, rocketing from a chic size 7 to a cozy size 16. Let’s just say, mirrors became my ultimate arch-nemesis again! This time it was an image I had never seen before. Sure I had seen it but I was having a 70 pound baby. What the hell happened?!?
Not to be confused with conceded, but confidence had a party in my life like it owned the place. I grew up in the eighties, loved life, and the mirror, armed with tons of hairspray, was practically my BFF. Even through tough family drama, hard break-ups, nasty rumors, and jealous friends. I had learned and mastered the art of gazing proudly at my reflection. Maybe at that time drugs, alcohol and bars helped the “I don’t give a shit” confidence?. I was so happy to be pregnant and couldn’t wait to meet my daughter. But just as quickly as confidence waltzed in, I’d catch a glimpse in the mirror, and boom! Hello, self-loathing, crashing the party like an uninvited relative at Thanksgiving!
Pimples, questionable perms, a nonexistent bust, and a rear end that resembled a small planet. I had finally embraced and accepted my flaws! But just as quickly as I donned the crown of self-acceptance, I flipped the script. I turned my reflection into a horror movie. It’s like my face, body, and wardrobe had thrown a surprise party for bad choices! Suddenly, my outlook on life went from “Yay, me!” to “Oh no, not again!” That image I saw didn’t just drag me down. It created a mood so grim that even my shadow started avoiding me. No smiles, no fun, and let’s just say I was the human equivalent of a rainy Tuesday.
Life is like a rollercoaster, full of twists, turns, and the occasional upside-down loop. We are definitely our own worst critics—no one can roast us quite like we roast ourselves! The mirror? It’s just there, minding its own business, reflecting our questionable choices. It’s all about how we interpret that lovely visage staring back at us. I remember having a good cry session, feeling like the world’s biggest disaster. It turns out, that’s how everyone else saw me too—like a hot mess express! Then one day, as I cried on the edge of my bed. My eyes almost swollen shut from all the tears, I finally glanced up. There it was—the mirror, featuring the star of the show: me, the person I again couldn’t stand!
For the first time ever, I found myself staring at my reflection. I felt sorry for that poor soul staring back at me! I mean, I wasn’t just a hot mess, but a “give yourself a break” of a hot mess? I never had seen myself in that way while looking in the mirror. It was like just a yes or no with maybe never a choice. I totally deserved better from myself—because let’s be honest, who else would put up with my shenanigans? It’s not easy being me and the truth is, no one can truly love you like you can. And no one can truly care about you like you can. “Always look in the mirror and love what you see, because what is seen already loves you back.” I thought of those words to help me back then. I have preached them to others ever since.
It’s not easy at times now as I gaze into the mirror. Aging is like that clingy ex you can’t shake off. Approaching 60 in 2025 feels like a cruel joke. Especially compared to the fresh-faced version of me back in 1993 weight and all. These days, I sometimes catch myself giving the reflection a side-eye. Loathing what I see in that reflection. But then I remember: if I can’t accept this aging masterpiece, how can I expect anyone else to? Ultimately, I just think, “At least now I’ve got character, experience with some great stories!” Besides at this point, I realized while now talking to myself in the mirror. I am my own best friend. I can be the best version of me. No matter my weight or age if I allow it.
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Just a little side fact about me. I am dyslectic so I am the human form of a word jumble game and I failed spelling.
MIRRORS!!!! They sure have a way of keeping you humble