Mirror, mirror

I looked into the mirror tonight.

I never wanted to look out of fear of what I'd see. I didnt want who I thought of myself as, looking back. Sadness in her eyes, guilt, shame on her face, no love, nothing there to see.  

I've never thought I was a pretty girl, never thought I was ugly, just a girl.  The mirror wasn't about looks, that would be prideful, God forbid we be proud.  (Not my parents teaching, but the church)  The mirror to me wasn't a reflection of a body but a soul.

Tonight I looked in the mirror, I saw me looking back.  Sadness is less, no shame, no guilt....a hint of compassion, empathy and yes, even a bit of love for the woman I was looking at.  This made my heart smile, which actually made me smile.

And he is right, I do have a beautiful mouth and a great smile.