I had an occasion yesterday to sit for a long time staring at myself in a mirror. I’ve never been one to look in a mirror much, even in my younger years,
I always just passed them by with barely a glance.
I haven’t had a full-length mirror to gauge what I look like for years, I actually think I’ve been in denial, so I only have really seen myself from the waist up for quite a while.
So time for a reality check. I’m a big girl; (seriously) I can take it.
Yesterday, while staring into the newly purchased full length mirror, I found myself almost hypnotized. With no books to read in the bathroom, I was forced to look at myself.
There have been times when I’ve refused to look and turned my head away.
Other times I have caught a glimpse of myself as I walked by even tough it’s just a quick flash, it reminds me that I’m still here.
Mirrors offer the opportunity for contemplation. It’s not just about primping and admiring yourself, though that is a possibility as well. A mirror can be used to give yourself a message, or a wake-up call in my situation.
But staring at yourself, taking it all in, can be difficult. It’s hard to ignore yourself when you’re right there in the mirror, in all your glory.
My arms look flabby. I couldn’t help myself, all I could think about was Richard Simmons VHS exercise video “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.” So I did a few arm curls and danced around the bathroom a bit. Exhale 5-6-7–you’re doing fantastic!
Oops. I caught a glimpse of myself again. I noticed lines around my eyes.
Where did they come from? A couple chin hairs (I can’t believe I’m admitting that). I also noticed it’s been awhile since I colored my hair. I need to take better care of myself because it really is downhill from here.
Never, and I mean, never, turn your head around and look at your back side in a full-length mirror. Not for the faint of heart. I heard it can cause seizures.
I have never figured out why fitting room mirrors have to be so harshly, glaringly honest. You’d think store management would have an incentive to flatter the shopper, not blind them for the rest of their lives. They certainly would sell a lot more if they had soothing music, low light and snacks.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary, the definition of reality is: The state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear. Is that similar to a side mirror on a car that states: Objects may be closer than they appear?
My eyes are still nice, the rest could use a little work. And now that I’ve had a good look in the mirror I can make some changes.
But I guess I’m doing okay. In the end I can now stare back at myself.
