Girl in the Mirror

The girl in the mirror. 

Sometimes she’s my best friend. Other times, my worst enemy.  

Lately, I’m learning a lot about her—this girl in the mirror. She’s been there my whole life, yet how often have I rly cared about her as one should a lifelong buddy? 

I spent a lot of time hating the girl in the mirror, criticizing her, attacking all her flaws. My negativity toward her only tore both of us down. It’s only when I’m able to see the good in her that I’m proud of how far we’ve come. The girl in the mirror doesn’t know yet what comes next, but she's proud of how far she's come. 

“Maybe you’re struggling to grow into who you’re meant to be while living under the label of who you’ve been told you are.” 

I saw this words somewhere awhile back and many times since then, they’ve popped back into my head. 

We all have labels placed on us—by others or ourselves—that attempt to define us and tell us who we are and what we should be like. Some are well-intended. Some are unintentional. Some are painful. None of them define us. 

I've put many labels on the girl in the mirror over the years. Some were good and lasting. Some were good for a time and meant to be let go of after their season. 

11-year-old me would be surprised that I’m not married or at least in a serious relationship by now. 

13 year old me would be astonished at how easily I can carry on a conversation with strangers. 

15-year-old me would be surprised that I’m graduating college next weeks. 

17-year-old me would be confused to find out that I barely write anymore. 

19 year old me would smile to realize how close you are to making it happen. 

21-year-old me is really proud of where I’m at.

The girl in the mirror—the same one he’s been staring back at me for over 21 years—she’s graduating college in six days. Next to the mirror where 6972475 selfies have been taken hangs a royal blue cap and gown, with gold honors stole. 

The girl in the mirror has a long way to go, but she’ll get there. One day at a time. For now, she's proud of how far she's come. For now, that's enough.