Tuesday, August 2

It's ALL About Perspective!


Life is so weird.

I was talking to my husband the other night, trying to explain to him why there were so many searches for "Lifestyle Lift" and other "facial rejuvenation" procedures on my computer. It went a little something like this:

Him: "Why the heck are you looking at that crap?"
Me: "Duh! Look at me! I'm getting O-L-D!"
Him: "Why do you say such things? You look great to me!"
Me: "It's weird, I remember back when I was in my early 20's and my mom had these thingies, like really skinny elastic strips with squares of surgical tape at each end. She would tape one end behind her ear, stretch the elastic around behind her head, hiding it under her hair, and then tape the other end behind her other ear, creating an instant "face lift" -- and I thought she was absolutely insane, and I told her so! Now I just wish I could remember where she got the darn things!"

See? It's all about perspective.

I'm not really that shallow, vapid, or stupid of a person, I realize that being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect -- it just means you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.
And I remind myself often of the words from the great Norman Vincent Peale, "The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have."

Still...I'll be bee-boppin' through a day, feeling pretty good about myself and suddenly catch a glimpse in a big window or a mirror and think to myself, "Aw...that lady would be almost cute if she didn't have such a poochy tummy and she were young like me!" Then it hits me... Oh_ My_ Goodness! That's ME!
This is usually followed by a small anxiety attack and then taking half an hour or so assuring myself that the mirror or window is surely defective or probably being recycled from a funhouse.

*sigh* My 90 year old grandmother thinks I'm beautiful and young, though...see? Perspective...

Last night I was at the gym with my husband and my son. My son is one of the sweetest kids ever...really. I mean, of course a mom is going to say that about her son, but I have people from his work that approach me quite often to tell me how sweet he is, and his managers have told him it's rare they get phone calls about employees that aren't negative, but a little old lady recently called in with praise about him and how helpful he is.
Well, as I watched my son lifting weights last night, I had sadness in my heart because just the other day his facebook status was about his loneliness. He was recently dumped by his first love, and he's incredibly shy so it's difficult for him to make new friends.
Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of the regular weight room guys, but this time he was guiding a young teenage boy over to a chair at the smoothie bar. As he walked him to the seat, the boy never looked anywhere but the floor. He sat him down, and went to work out...and then I saw that the young man appeared to be locked in his own world, probably autistic... it gave me a whole new perspective on my worries of my own son.

I'm thankful for all of these daily little reminders to put things in perspective. It's so easy to get sucked into our own little world of insecurities, problems, and frustrations...but often simply taking a step back to reevaluate things can give us a fresh new sense of hope.

For now, I've promised my hubby I won't get anything on my body or face lifted, plumped, siphoned, injected, or touched up...not that we have that sort of disposable income anyway - haha! Besides, as the incredible Kahlil Gibran said, "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."

I plan to keep that light turned on until the day the Lord turns it off.

17 comments:

Karen Mortensen said...

Very good post my dear. Something for all of us to think about. Just remember you are beautiful to me and there are many types of beauty. I think you have them all.

Anonymous said...

I needed that today! You are such an inspiration to me and so many others. Doug is so lucky to have you and I feel privileged to call you my friend (if you're not furious with me) miss you love ya

Becky Jane said...

Michele, you crack me up! So glad to see your post. I love your 2nd to the last paragraph...
Doug reminds me of CL. He loves me just the way I am, but *GAG* I could look better for him...lol

Jeri said...

You should be happy with the beautiful person God created you to be...inside AND out.
I'm so glad to have you as my sister-in-law. You have such insight for me to ponder.
Luv ya girl!

Unknown said...

Glad to see a post from you! :) A lot to think about! :)

My Inner Chick said...

---You Are Beautiful.
Just. As. You. Are.

Poppin' in from LBS...See, I had to tell you that !

Christina said...

Just came across your blog and I'm loving it. If you ever find those thingies that tape behind the ears and wrap around the back of your head let me know, I could use some. Yes I remember them too. I am sure my hubby would think I've lost it if I had some but hey it's cheaper than botox!

I am sorry for your son. I have one who is 19 and has gone through this and yes it takes awhile. Like your son he is kind of shy but I know their is a girl out there for him. I saw the pic below of your son and he is a good looking guy and I'm pretty sure there is someone waiting around the corner for him.

Team Chastain said...

Hey everyone,

Thanks so much for all the lovely comments! Been super busy or would have said so sooner.

Hugs all around and I look forward to talk with everyone more soon!

Love,
Michele

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

When I look in the mirror, I think I am aging fast. I then realize my wrinkles, etc are the least of my problems :) Glad you have perspective

Anonymous said...

So true and sometimes, for me, so hard to remember.

Kimberly at Rubber Chicken Madness said...

Love that Kahlil Gibran quote at the end. I think I'll type it up in a pretty font and hang it in my closet.

Go Inspire Beauty said...

Perspective is really the key. It does take work to keep things in perspective, but it really helps lighten the load we sometimes feel.
Thanks for sharing your personal stories and helping us all see what is really important!

Unknown said...

This is all so true! All too often we base our ideals on what we think others are thinking. When we really sit down and let ourselves relax, we find we are putting too much I'm emphasis on the wrong things. :)

Visiting from the Lady Bloggers Tea Party.

Katie said...

Great post! I loved reading! You're right, it really is all about the perspective that you look at something. I believe we have a choice to either focus on the negative or embrace the positives that come with aging!
Katie
Lady Bloggers Tea Party
http://katies20sfarewelltour.blogspot.com/

Byrd said...

we use the same template! LOL

great post about self image and i love the picture!

Lynne Miller said...

Stopping by from the TeaParty!

This came just in time - I told my hubby he had a fat wife - to which he replied: Well, YOU have a fat husband! LOL! Good stuff!

B said...

I absolutely love that last line, "I plan to keep that light turned on until the day the Lord turns it off." You and me both, sister!

XOXO