You Are a Beautiful Bloom

Meditating a bit on that statement from one of the stickers in my Moody Floral accessories for journaling and planners (yes I am a bit obsessed with the entire collection). I thought of it while browsing through my phone for pictures I could use for this entry.

I came across the photo you see above, from when I participated in GISH, or the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt. One of the items was to find a flower or a picture of a flower and turn yourself into it as best you could.

The stamen of the bloom are a little tricky to see on my nose, but I think the whole look turned out pretty well.

I’m thinking now about beauty. What does it mean? Is it measured in how much attention you garner on dating apps and websites, or the subtle flirtation you receive from the people you encounter on any given day?

Is it a product of youth?

Could we make it mean something more?

Is it something reserved for artists and creatives?

I do believe that there’s an inner artist in all of us. Leaving that aside for the moment, forgetting the aesthetics of nature and colors and everything I love about creativity in all its forms, I propose this: beauty is kindness and compassion.

It’s definitely something I’m working to cultivate within myself and toward those around me. I’m forever grateful for the inspiring examples set by some of the people in my life, their patience and willingness to understand the perspectives of others and just hold space for other people to be their authentic selves.

I also pass a sign on my way to work, on a busy corner, in front of a major pharmacy, that reads, “Be Kind.” I try to carry that message with me.

As I said to my daughter last night over a good night email, and as one of my friends and I say to each other often, it’s also important to be kind to yourself. Maybe true self-compassion helps you make room for compassion for others.

I saw an interesting reel on Instagram late last night about self-discovery and the journey toward healing. The gist from what I remember was that someone decided to start therapy to face their issues.

That began a domino effect of all these other aspects of themselves tumbling and revealing more things needing healing. Emotions previously unfelt needed processing. Anxiety and depression surfaced. They began questioning if all their relationships were built on trauma bonds and how much of their personality was actually trauma response.

At the end of the reel, the individual conceded that this would be a lifelong process.

Why do I mention all of this?

We are all still learning.

I for one will try to bear this in mind when I’m tempted to criticize or shame myself for my issues. There’s beauty, too, in patient healing and self-love.

Bloom gorgeously today, wherever you are, however you presently find yourself feeling. You are seen, you are heard, you are loved.