How often do we criticize ourselves after looking in the mirror?
How often do we respond to a complement with a simple “thank you”
instead of an apologetic excuse?
How often do we feel unworthy of being loved or of being liked?

Relationships constantly change; some grow into deeper, meaningful commitments, and others fade. Sometimes compatibility shifts, maybe commonalities become less harmonious, or people grow in different directions.

When we land in situations that create heartache and leave us feeling lonely, we need to keep our emotions intact and not be so hasty to point the finger at the person in the mirror. Negative thoughts have a large impact on the perception of living. If we allow ourselves to fall into darkness for too long, it could be dangerous. Unfortunately, my family endured a tragic loss five years ago and there were no outward signs.  More often than not, those dangerous thoughts are kept safely inside of our minds. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of courage.

Below is a poem written by my friend, Jessie Jeanine at http://jessiejeanine.com/. She is a woman of Faith, Love, and Forgiveness. Even after all she has endured, she moves forward with self confidence and perseverance, setting an example for anyone who is struggling with low self esteem. I encourage you to visit her blog for more inspiration and enlightenment.

Scars are Beautiful

Do not tell me I am beautiful
If my scars you have not seen…

The scars on my arms and legs
From being stabbed and cut with blades,
The scars on my back from being whipped,
Or the scars across my stomach from being sick

Do not tell me I am beautiful
Not until you see
Both the darkness and the light
Consuming my mind, in a fight to be free

Do not tell me I am beautiful
Until you have seen me cry
When I break down and show you
Everything, I keep buried deep inside

Do not tell me I am beautiful
Until you know what plagues me
Night terrors and horrors
Please hold me… arms of safety

Do not tell me I am beautiful
If my fears you have not heard;
If my soul you do not understand
Because of pain I have endured

Do not tell me I am beautiful
Until you have cared for me ill
From diseases I was born with
As I fight to stay well

Do not tell me I am beautiful
If my scars you have not seen…
The ones burned deep into my flesh
And my very being

However,
If after you see all of my scars, learn of my fears
And listen to even a portion of what I have survived…
If after all of that, you still accept me and think I am beautiful

If you can kiss my scars without pity
And not be ashamed of me –
If you can see how all of them make me
The perfect woman, survivor and being

Then maybe… just maybe, I will believe you.
I will believe you when you tell me that,
“I am beautiful…”
I am a beautiful woman and human being.

Scars are Beautiful

Some people experience hurt to an extreme degree, while other’s experiences are milder. Regardless, please remember that You are Worthy and You are Worth It
no matter your age; a pessimistic mindset does not discriminate. We all feel pain, but it’s up to us individually to work through it so we can live, laugh, love others, but most importantly, love ourselves again.

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.”
~ Sophocles

Before you leave, please say this to yourself, “I am Worthy and I am Worth It!”

I wish you a Wonderful, Blessed Wednesday and I thank you for reading. ♥

Lauren Scott © 2015
Photo: Google Images