When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you smile or do you turn your back on yourself? Do you sometimes wish your house was mirror-less?
How did your year end? Did you love yourself last year?
How is your new year beginning? Do you love yourself now?
“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” Kurt Cobain
We’ve all heard the saying, “You have to love yourself before you can love others.”
It’s so easy to find faults with ourselves, whether they’re physical or results of something we said or did. Or maybe we’re just not smart enough. The list is ongoing. Most people doubt themselves at some time in their lives. Self-worth and self-esteem waver every so often. After all, we’re only human. We occasionally make choices that create an outcome making us wish we chose a different door.
“We torture ourselves incessantly, and for what purpose? Wouldn’t life be so much more fun, productive, and sexy if we fully embraced our magnificently delightful selves?” Jen Sincero
Regarding physical appearance, we have screens of all sizes telling us how to be good-looking (for both women and men) and how to defy age. We learn that, instead of embracing laugh lines and those wonderful memories that caused them, they should be covered because looking young “forever” is what matters most. I suppose I’ll be an anomaly then because Botox or anything that requires a needle on the face is not an option for me. Of course, I’ve noticed changes that I’m not thrilled about, but it’s all a part of growing older, and between you and me, it’s the better alternative. I’ve had dear friends who were never given the chance to grow old.
“There will never be anyone exactly like you. You were given special gifts and talents to share with the world, and even though everybody has special gifts and talents, nobody will use theirs quite the same way you do…You are the only you that will ever be. You are kind of a big deal.” Jen Sincero
So, if you’re struggling with yourself, choose to Forgive yourself. Don’t be so quick to beat yourself up. Accept who You are and Love Yourself. If you do all these things, then your outlook on the world and people around you will be so much brighter. You’ll be able to allow others into your circle and give them the authentic gift of Kindness, Compassion, and Love…the authentic gift of You!
“You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.” Charlie Chaplin
FORGIVE YOURSELF, LOVE YOURSELF, AND SMILE. ISN’T THIS A GREAT WAY TO START THE NEW YEAR?
~Lauren Scott
(All photos courtesy of Google)
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
Happy New Year
Thanks, San, and the same to you!
Thank You
A lovely way to start the new year, Lauren. ❤ Happy New Year! xo
Thanks, Bette! I thought a little inspiration for the new year would be good for us all. 🙂 Happy New Year, my friend, and I hope it’s starting out well for you, too! 💕
It’s a wonderful way to start the new year, Lauren! And I’m glad you’re not considering to take Botox, there’s still not enough data of long-term effects and I kind of doubt that those can be good. We all should embrace the signs of aging and be proud of them. Sure, it’s a bit shocking to find yet another wrinkle when you look in the mirror 😉 But then it’s just a natural process and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Happy New Year! 😄😚💖
Thanks, Sarah, I’m happy you enjoyed this handful of inspiration, and definitely no Botox for me. Yikes! I’m not that brave, and most of the outcomes, sadly to say, aren’t improvements. Yes, some things are shocking, but it’s better to roll with them and embrace being alive! Happy New Year, my friend! Hugs 💗✨🎆
😄😚💕
Great way to start the year, Lauren.
Thanks so much, John! I thought some encouragement for the new year would be welcomed. 🙂
Very much so.
An inspiring post, Lauren! Thank you. I agree with your attitude about aging. No botox or needles for me either. No hair dye either. 😄
Happy New Year once again, my friend!
❤️💞
Thanks, Betty, I’m glad you liked this bit of motivation. However, I do have a confession after reading your comment…I began getting low-lights recently in my fifties (hands covering face) :), but in my defense, I think dyeing hair is less invasive than plastic surgery. The low-lights don’t cover it all, but the hair is all nicely blended. And right now, I don’t like the gray tones for my skin. So, you caught me, I admit it, but I’m sure the day will come that coloring my hair will be no longer on my to-do list. I also don’t mean to sound hypocritical, but I honestly didn’t think of hair when writing this post. I hope to have your forgiveness. 🙂 And Happy New Year!! ❤🎉✨
Lauren, no need to apologize! Heavens, it seems like most everyone I know colors their hair and I’m the oddball. My hair is about 1/3 gray (very unevenly) and the time might come when I’ll try a rinse or something if it gets grayer. (My Norwegian grandma lived to 108 and would you believe she only had a few gray hairs?)
Anyway, I have never judged anyone for dyeing their hair. I’m just an old hippie who probably looks ridiculous with my long graying hair. But it’s kind of fun to see what it’ll do next on its own. Maybe I’m just lazy. 😆🤣😆
ANYway, you’re not a hypocrite!! There’s nothing to forgive, my friend. 💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Whew! I feel better now, Betty! 😉 I think I have more gray than you, so I’m just not there for all natural regarding hair color. But, honestly, I hate getting it done. I have better things to do than sit in a salon. It’s truly not “me.” So, I do it for now, but we’ll see if I change things as I get older. Not to mention, it’s not inexpensive, either. So, enjoy the money you’re saving. 🙂 I’m sure you look beautiful, also! I just felt guilty after reading your comment, but more in an “uh oh” way, not in a negative way. So, now all is good, and Cheers to gray hair and laugh lines, too!! 😀🎉🎉🎉❤❤
Yes, yes! 😄😍💕🎊😆
By the way, your new gravatar is beautiful!!
Thanks, Lauren. Took it today – got tired of the other one. 🙂
I’m tired of mine, too, so I need to get a new one. Tired of the same old ones.
Lauren, I do like the two of yours you’ve had up the last few months. But I know what you mean – nice to have current ones! 😊💕
Thanks! I appreciate that. Right now I’m working on other things, so a new one probably won’t show up real soon. Have a good night! 😴💤❤️
Yes, there are more important things! You have a good night too, Lauren. 💕
Wonderful reflections for the new year and well illustrated Lauren. 🙂
Thanks so much, Ian! I appreciate your kind words. Have a wonderful Wednesday! 🙂
The mirror shows what we think of ourselves, I reckon.
Happy start to the New Year, Lauren 🙂
And sometimes, those personal thoughts can be harmful, which is one reason for writing this…for everyone to learn or to choose to love themselves, so they can view the world and their life more optimistically. Thanks for your encouragement, Eric, and wishing you a warm Wednesday! 🙂
Lauren, this is a beautiful thoughtful post and a timely reminder to us all to accept who we are…I too have lost friends and family who never made it to my age and only yesterday my son’s best friend suddenly lost his father. We are all in shock…he was only a few years older than me and still young for today’s world. To be alive is a gift to be treasured so let’s not waste it by concentrating on those small issues. Wishing you a very Happy New Year, my friend! 😀❤️
Thanks, Annika, and I’m so sorry to hear of your son’s best friend’s father. We’ve also heard of many people passing who were around our age, too, and it sure puts life in perspective. As you said, to live life as it is a gift to be treasured instead of wasted. By the way, is your book out, yet? I missed some posts over the holiday, so let me know if I missed the big announcement. I can’t wait to have my copy in hand. 🙂 Happy New Year, too, my friend! ❤🎉
Lauren, you’re too right about it putting life in perspective…somehow time slowed down for me since.
Thank you so much for asking about my book. The ebook is already out and the paperback will be out this month – the proofs are coming to me tomorrow so I just need to check them. I will make a BIG announcement when the paperback is out! So happy you’re excited to read it – that means a lot. love & hugs xxxx
That’s great, I’ll watch for your post because I’m waiting for the paperback. Very exciting for you, Annika, so enjoy the ride! ❤️😊🎉
These are such uplifting thoughts, Lauren! Let’s forgive ourselves, be kinder to ourselves, and practice self-care xo May 2018 be one that brings you much peace and love 🙂
Thanks, Christy, I thought it would be good for anyone who reads this to feel even a fraction of encouragement or inspiration to venture into the new year. I hope 2018 brings you all the same, my friend. Thanks for all of your support throughout the years. I think I’m going on seven years with a ton of breaks along the way. Hugs ❤😊
Some good advice. We’re usually far more critical of ourselves than we should be. There are not too many people out there who are perfect.
Thanks, Binky, and we sure are. And I haven’t met any perfect people yet, but I’ve met some who think they are. 🙂
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Really lovely thoughts.
Thanks so much, and I appreciate your visit. too!
That you quote Kurt Cobain reveals how little I know you. (Which matters little of course. 🙂 ) On our fridge there is a magnet my wife her daughter gave her years ago which reads:
Always be yourself
No matter what you do
For you can make things
Happen just by being you
Well, I didn’t listen to Nirvana, Ben, if that’s what you mean. But I saw the quote, thought it was profound and true, and loved it. 🙂 His death at such a young age was certainly a tragedy. I love your magnet’s quote, too. It all ties into being yourself, loving yourself, and not worrying about what others think of you – which isn’t always easy to brush away. I think it’s even harder now with social media and young children, teens, even young adults.
My kids (young adults now) are grounded and have been for awhile. But social media can really mess up young minds, and it’s so sad. I’m glad they grew up playing outdoors, and when they were inside, they played, using their imaginations. My husband and I will always be grateful for these things. My sisters are worried now about their grandchildren growing up “plugged in.” There are pros and cons to the rapid progression of technology, but the cons may have a greater negative impact on our future generations. Scary times. Time to stop this rambling, but thanks for reading. 🙂
You might find this article of interest:
http://www.wakingtimes.com/2017/11/09/acclaimed-journalist-author-explains-social-media-society/
Thanks, I’ll check it out. Have a good Friday!
You too, Lauren.
Thank you for such wonderful perspective on life in its living, Lauren. Imagine how much happier people would be if they just stopped bowing to social pressures and popular obsessions of vanity and more. Aging is indeed a ‘natural process’ and to me, someone who attempts to steal away time through their advanced years is only creating a lie, a deception…and for what?
Have a wonderful 2018, Lauren.
You’re welcome, and thanks, Don! It would be wonderful if people would heed your advice. Think of all the smiles we’d see walking down the streets! 🙂 As to aging, I guess we’ll all welcome it in our own ways –
with warmth or with remedies to defy it. Thanks also for the new year wishes, and I wish the same to you!
Self-forgiveness is such an advanced concept, I have found. It should be second nature to give ourselves grace but instead we try to shame ourselves into self improvement. That never works. Thanks for shedding light!
Thanks so much for your wise words, as well. It’s too bad we’re so hard on ourselves. If everyone focused more and was truly compassionate to the person in the shell of their bodies, the world would probably be more at peace. I appreciate you stopping by!