Getting Good At Being Myself

I arrived home really tired  an afternoon of visiting family. As I sat down to fold laundry, I flipped on the TV, where the last part of a pageant was on. I always think wistfully about the winners' great opportunities for scholarships, world travel, raising awareness for good causes, and inspiring so many people. But I suddenly realized, as beautiful as those lovely contestants are, I don’t wish I looked like them anymore. I don’t compare myself to them or feel inferior or misshapen or ugly and short. I don't care that I don't have their perfect smiles or glowing tans. Looking like them used to equal ‘looking perfect’ in my mind, and I've noticed myself losing interest in that pressure to achieve a mythical, perfect look.

I don’t really fret anymore over trying to fit any stereotypes. I’m okay not appearing glamorous all the time. And life is just more fun like this! It is much less stressful not worrying whether my appearance has everyone’s stamp of approval or not. 
     
I spent years hating my physical make-up from head to toe, not able to see this human form as God's tangible means for us to live out this earthly life. The world gives us defeating, excluding messages. But God has better messages for us---and life holds possibilities that are so much more meaningful than being glued in front of mirrors or looking at disappointing stats on measuring tapes.
     
I'm not without my weak moments, but I'm getting good at being myself. Life is so much more enjoyable when I'm simply comfortable in my own skin and happy with this body and mind that God constructed as a way for me to experience this life.