Mirrors - Not just for checking yourself out.

Mirrors aren’t always about what we need to fix — sometimes they show us how far we’ve come.

I have used mirrors as a decorating accessory for years, to bounce light around a room, to open up a space or bring the outside in. But it wasn't until I began using them for personal growth that they took on a different meaning.

We’ve all had that moment when we look into a mirror and find that new line, that little dot that no one else would every notice, but seems enormous to us. Suddenly, we become judgmental and critical of ourselves. We start finding all the flaws even making up new ones. This is too big, that's too small and within minutes of an in-depth study of ourselves, suddenly we are the head judges at the Goldilocks Olympics!! When did we get so hard on ourselves?! And where is the "just right"and according to who(m)?

If you spoke like that to someone else, you'd have two black eyes to gripe about! A little kindness goes a long way, my friend.

Physical mirrors are one thing to contend with... Mirrors aren't always about checking your teeth for spinach or letting more light in a room. Sometimes they show us more than just our reflection. The mirrors we don't see hanging on the wall can be the most interesting... Other people.

Others mirror what we feel about ourselves. They are a direct reflection of our mood, our beliefs and our thoughts. I’m only triggered by something I already think or believe to be true. Otherwise, it wouldn’t trigger me at all. Call me fat and I’d laugh. Call me a procrastinator and I would think “how rude!” I can be at times, but I’m getting better. People come into our lives to heal unresolved issues in ourselves. Do you know that “challenging” person who just pushes your buttons every time you see them? They’re trying to tell you something, not be a jerk for no reason. The thing is, once you change that “thing”, the trigger disappears. Like magic!

To understand this, we give some compassion to those and perhaps a little gratitude for coming in and shedding light where we could choose to focus our attention, in order to better ourselves. If you feel a need to react, ask “why?” The answer may be something you’ve been trying to avoid that is now right in front of you. An opportunity to heal and release…

As for life as we know it, something called The Mirror Principle is quite interesting. It basically says, your outer world reflects your inner state. Simple. And yet, not so simple. It takes practice to cultivate this awareness. The way we think about ourselves and our environment directly influences what we experience. In this sense, we can not only change ourselves, but positively transform our surroundings.

What it is meant to show you is that only by changing your inner world, can your outer world change. Nothing outside of yourself can make you happy. A good way to think of this is… does the mirror smile before you do? No, it only shows you what you look like when you do.

If we only see obstacles and problems, the mirror reflects these back to us and we experience more hurdles to jump and mountains to climb, but look with positivity, possibilities and solutions and we are shown the wonders of the world through this lens. This will usually be reflected in our circumstances. Take a look around. Anything needing attention? How do we turn these into positives for growth and happiness?

The mirror will also show you where you used to be, how you’ve grown and where you are now. Much like the lines on your face showing worry or laughter, sometimes it isn't meant to be literally right now it’s showing us where we’ve been... An interesting quote "Not everyone is there to make you grow, sometimes they are there to show what you what your life would be if you don't". And that’s okay.

Do this little exercise: Stare into the mirror. Look into your eyes. It feels uncomfortable at first, but it’s a way of beginning to feel comfort in your own skin. Begin telling yourself all of the things you’d want to hear from someone else. Make the mirror your friend, not your enemy. Just a few minutes a day can reset your nervous system to be more kind to yourself. The person staring back at you will thank you for taking the time.