Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check In - Saturday August 5th 2017

So years ago, when still a student, I had a Saturday job in a local supermarket. I went to work one particular morning feeling really self conscious about a huge spot I had on my chin. It was on my mind all day, how ugly I looked, how everyone must see it. This was confirmed when a customer commented to me 'that's a nice spot you have there'! Even though I knew how awful it looked, I was still taken aback that she would comment on it. She must have sensed my confusion as she added 'a nice spot by the window, in the sunshine'.

My point in telling this story, true by the way, is to ask how many of us become bogged down with our perceived faults, faults that other people simply don't see? And in doing so, how much are we missing? I missed that it was a beautiful day, that I was sat in the sunshine, because I was too busy obsessing about my damned spot!

So can you take a step back from yourself today? Look at yourselves as others see you. They're not bothered if your eyebrows are a bit wonky, or your nose a little big. Do they see kindness, someone they can trust, acceptance? Can you see the good things about yourself as well?