I have gone through several different phases of "self-esteem development," with a few definitive milestones. One was a few years ago. I was feeling particularly self-conscious because of a very intrusive zit right in the middle of my forehead.
Thanks be to all that is fair...I had decided to grow bangs a few months prior, so I had a handy shield. Perfect...pull the bangs this way, curl them just so and...no zit.
Only problem was, I was so uncomfortable. It was hot, and my hair felt yucky on my forehead. I felt distracted because I kept fidgeting, making sure the hair had not shifted out of place. Finally I took a head band, pulled all my hair back and tied it up in a bun on top of my head. I instantly felt better. I was more physically comfortable and I didnt have to worry if anyone would see my acne because I knew that they could! I don't have to have perfect skin, which means that I don't have to hide my skin when it is imperfect. What if we let go of our need to be right, our need to be perfect, our need to be constantly shiny and clever and brilliant and talented? What if we could be more free, more comfortable, less distracted and more available to pay attention to what we love, who we love and how we can love better?
It has been very freeing for me to realize that I don't always have to have clear skin or, more importantly, to be great at "it" (whatever that "it" happens to be), to know the answer, to have it figured out, to understand, to get it. Consider stepping out from behind your respective bangs the next time you have an imperfection. See what it might feel like to let go of the false belief that you must hide imperfections and embrace the freedom that comes with being who you are, where you are, when you are there.
Be you.
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