enough

She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 3:15

The mirror (by definition) is a reversed image that reflects a physical representation of an object or person. However, that mirror can hold an inaccurate depiction of one’s true self. The image reflected in that mirror, at times, becomes the picture one sees of themselves based on what the outside voices and mind tells itself. If the voices and mind speak in a positive manner, the reflective image from that mirror should be absorbed in a positive light. 

The challenge is that the mind tends to falter to a negative state (based on a 2005 article published by the National Science Foundation). The research concluded that the average person has approximately 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day with 80% of those thoughts being negative and 95% of those thoughts being repetitive. Based on this understanding, the perception of one’s self in that refection can become heavily distorted.

Let me ask… what are the voices that you have heard throughout your life? Have they been, or are they gentle and uplifting when they speak to you? Or…are they condemning, manipulative and full of senseless untruths? If those voices are anything but gentle and uplifting, perhaps your perception of your real identity in that reflection is skewed by the false narrative created by the voices instilled in your mind.

I implore that we look at the dirt on the surface of that reflective mirror, and wipe the grime clean so that the reflection is a true representation of the person you are as opposed to a self and world-imposed, destructive narrative.

As I write this, I think about how often I must wipe my mirrors clean of the grime that collects to make sure that my reflection remains untainted. I often think of the young girl that battled the false narrative created by the voices instilled in her young mind. That beautiful girl receives so much grace for not knowing, at that time, that her mirrors needed to be cleaned.

If only I could journey back through time and speak to my younger self. The love I would offer her would transcend into the words she’d need to hear to carry her through life’s journey, and further remind her of who’s she is, and the value she possesses, regardless of the voices that may try to contradict the truth.

Beautiful girl, when you look at your reflection in the mirror, remember to thank God for his perfectly imperfect creation. As you grow older, you will realize that the social stigmas of the world do not define your value. Your height, weight, size, shape, and opinions of others will not determine the love, respect and honor you deserve to be shown every day of your life. Remember, my dear, you are perfectly created for what you are destined to accomplish, and don’t ever let the negative voices or opinions of others tell you otherwise.

Beautiful girl, it is perfectly okay to make “mistakes” in life. Those missteps are a launching pad for your future, and will teach you valuable lessons, challenge your inner strength, and help to define your character. Perhaps those mistakes will mold you into the person you will become one day, so please give yourself grace for not knowing what you will know one day. As you journey, remember that life has a special way of always redirecting your path and aligning (or realigning) your journey back to your soul purpose. And most importantly, remember darling to Let Go and Let God.

Beautiful girl full of laughter and smiles; never stop laughing wholeheartedly, and remember to continue to smile through the tears and pain that this life may bring because when you laugh and smile, the glimmer of light in your eyes offers so much hope for much better days to come.

Beautiful girl, not everyone you meet in life will truly see the real you. Not everyone will like, love, or have your best interest at heart. There may be times in which the ones you love and trust the most, betray you. Guard your heart and soul and know that any hurtful words or actions inflicted on you has more to do with their own wounded self, and less to do with you. Most importantly, never allow life’s disappointments or painful betrayals to harden your heart to life, love or humanity.

Beautiful girl, when you journey through life, savor every precious moment, and hold dear the lessons of every experience presented to you. Don’t take life too seriously because your existence is meant to be enjoyed. Learn to observe your environment with refined vision, listen intently, trust the feelings deep in your soul, think deeper than those around you, and always speak your truth. Remember, darling, never allow anyone to dim your light or silence your voice because you matter.

Beautiful girl, understand who you are. You are the daughter of a King. That King is Christ, and HE is seated on the thrown of God’s right hand. You are Devine royalty and made in the image of God. Know your worth, understand your value, define your boundaries, and never compromise your soul for anything or anyone. And if necessary, with dignity, courage, strength, and grace, walk away from those not meant for your destined path.

So beautiful girl (and guy), the next time you look in the mirror, ask yourself if the reflection looking back at you is representative of the person you are meant to be. If not, what are the words that you need to speak over yourself (or your younger self) to carry you through this life’s journey? Please don’t allow the self and world-imposed, destructive narrative, which is meant to distract you, keep you from your soul purpose.

If this is the case, it is time to clean the grime off the reflective surfaces, and shine your light because YOU are, and ALWAYS will BE, more than ENOUGH!

LOVE, with all my HEART,

Natalie