Looking Outward

Happy Good Friday, Passover and almost Easter!

Earlier this week, I had the honor of volunteering at an event for Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, helping to style 100 women and children as part of the #sundaybest project.  These women have experienced homelessness, abuse or addiction, but are now on the path to healing and recovery.  Every one of them had a difficult story to tell, about horrors that I can't begin to imagine.  Yet time after time, they arrived at their appointment with a smile on their faces, full of hugs and excitement to receive a new dress and pair of shoes.  I was so moved by their resilience and positive outlook, and spent half the day in inspired tears.

Source: Seattle's Union Gospel Mission

As I drove home that afternoon, reflecting on the women and their stories, I started to get down on myself.  How dare I complain about my life, even for a moment?  I've experienced nothing like these women have, and yet they move forward with strength and hope for the future, full of determination. Ready to do what it takes to start over again.

Then I remembered something I read recently:

True humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.

As humans, and especially women, we often beat ourselves up.  We say we're not enough, that we're doing everything wrong, and we can't measure up.

Today, during this season of renewal, I challenge you to step outside of that thinking.  Stop putting yourself down, because each one of us is beautifully made.  Nope, we're not perfect, but we're not supposed to be.

And when we start looking outward, thinking of ourselves less, we open up room to think of others.  Putting our focus on those who surround us, and how grateful we are for them, brings a peace and happiness, a light from within. 

Happy weekend, friends.