Facing the Stranger in the Mirror

Have you ever really confronted your own shortcomings? I am, today. It wasn't something I quite planned to do. But it's a funny thing, how I've always promised myself I would face these things, someday. I was so busy running all the time, that I find myself alone at last, and utterly at a loss for where to begin. I'm beginning, anyway.

I'm learning. I have big ideas and projects that I want to tackle, and there are a lot of moments along the way where the going gets difficult. I refuse to quit. Progress comes from a lot of small decisions, and from doing things, and having them work or not work, as the case may be. So I'm sitting here alone (and yet the whole world is in here with me, thank you, internets) and I'm looking right at the problem. Staring it in the eyes, so to speak.

Can you look yourself in the eyes, when you look at yourself in the mirror?

I can see myself reflected, and yet I feel like I'm looking at someone else. We look at each other, this stranger and I, and I promise her that the two of us are going to be just fine. I like her, very much. I feel protective of this new stranger that I am.

So I'll sit here, and face those shortcomings, and fight them, and find ways to flip them around and make them into strengths. I will. Because before action just comes the willingness to do, and the courage to decide. I won't let past failures stop me. Those were just trial runs.

I'll let you know how it goes!