When I was a kid, l loved going to this pizza place that had the “funny mirrors.” My sister and I would stand in front of them until we got dizzy. The first one would make us look short and wide. We would giggle, point at our reflections, and call each other silly names like wide-o and shorty. The other mirror would make us look tall and thin, with our legs stretching 5 feet right into our armpits. She instantly became Miss Toothpick and I, birdy legs.
We looked odd, different, and thought it was a hoot! Not to mention, the pizza was great and we could watch the pizza man toss dough in the air from behind a glass window. Kid paradise.
Fast forward 10 years, 20, 30. As we grew older, looking odd and different in a mirror was no laughing matter. Do I really look like that? Why is my hair so frizzy today? Make-up will never cover that up. Did mom and dad replace our bathroom mirror with one from the Pizza Palace? And speaking of pizza, well, we thought twice before sinking our teeth into those melty, cheesy pies.
Talking about the topic of Body Image can be difficult. Not enough people look into a mirror and like what they see. Too often, they see a distorted view.
In honor of the Operation Beautiful book release, I spent some time staring at myself in the mirror, looking into my own eyes, trying to see past the face that was reflecting back at me. I looked long and hard for the real me. But, no matter how long I stood there, I couldn’t see her.
Then, in a moment of frustration, I closed my eyes. There I was standing in front of a mirror with my eyes closed. To be honest, it felt kind of ridiculous. For just a minute I kept those lids down and thought about who I am and what can’t possibly be seen in that mirror. And then……like magic……I found her. To really see myself, I didn’t need a mirror after all. So very little of our true selves lies on the outside.
Love the real you! Do you need to change the way you see yourself? Are you only looking at the outside?
The Chameleon's Backbone 
Posted by Debbie on August 3, 2010 at 1:49 am
This morning I think I was standing in front of the tall, wierd looking one that must give you frizzy hair and a bad attitude. It also gave me a reminder that I had to pay rent to look in it. Love this blog. Reminds of the times of the care free childhood where we didn’t care about self perceptions or looks or social acceptance. I want the care free spirit back and the pepperoni pizza. Screw the size 6 pants.
Posted by Amy on August 5, 2010 at 5:42 am
Amen! I agree with Debbie! Loved this article. It immediately brought back awesome memories. I remember those funny mirrors too.
Posted by Astrid on August 4, 2010 at 1:25 pm
It took me a while to realize that how I am feeling affects how I see myself in the mirror. When I am bubbling over with happiness, I look so pretty to myself. When I am frustrated, tired, etc., I look like a mess. This is an awesome post, I love the funny mirrors, but I kind of hate how accurately they portray our own distortions of ourselves. Have a great day!
Posted by Tracy on August 5, 2010 at 2:00 am
So true. Hope your day was great too!!
Posted by Tina on August 4, 2010 at 2:45 pm
I once heard a quote – “Learn to look AT yourself in a mirror, not FOR yourself”. A mirror doesn’t define who you are. Your actions, heart, and what you bring to the world do. Loved this post!
Posted by Tracy on August 5, 2010 at 1:59 am
That’s an awesome perspective and quote. Thanks Tina! I checked out your website and really like it – good luck in Philly!
Posted by Renee on August 21, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Pappy’s!
Tracy – Great post. I’ve been noticing the body image changes and not liking it one bit! LOL
I have to agree with Astrid. Can’t wait to keep reading the other posts.