But I think I am still a mean girl to myself - judging myself harshly on surface appearance, any hint of awkwardness, and not meeting ridiculous, and sometimes meaningless, standards in many areas. Today, I will not be a mean girl to myself. Today, I will treat myself with the same kindness and acceptance I might a third grade girl: who is growing up, trying new things, and making charming, awkward, glorious mistakes. With acceptance and compassion and even joy. Even admiration.
I grew up in a family that had lots of gossipy opinions about other people's personalities and choices. Over the years, I have let go of that early training and learned to embrace others with real acceptance and love. I recognize how many of those opinions were about surface matters, how little we really know about other people's struggles, and how noble and brave most people are.
But I think I am still a mean girl to myself - judging myself harshly on surface appearance, any hint of awkwardness, and not meeting ridiculous, and sometimes meaningless, standards in many areas. Today, I will not be a mean girl to myself. Today, I will treat myself with the same kindness and acceptance I might a third grade girl: who is growing up, trying new things, and making charming, awkward, glorious mistakes. With acceptance and compassion and even joy. Even admiration.
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AuthorTarn Wilson is the author of the memoir The Slow Farm and numerous essays. You may read more of her work at tarnwilson.com. Archives
September 2020
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