“You can either hold yourself up to the unrealistic standards of others, or ignore them and concentrate on being happy with yourself as you are.” 

-- Jeph Jacques

I’m not sure why I love quotations, but I do. Something about the way an idea is articulated succinctly in a quote can help me make sense of something in a way that gives me a feeling of peace -- for a day, an hour or just a moment. So, I really appreciate a good quote ?! I remember reading the above referenced quote for the first time. It came serendipitously when I was having a particularly bad hair day, or was it a bad “body” day? I can’t recall. Regardless, I wasn’t feeling good enough. As I read the words “being happy with yourself as you are,” I remember thinking “God, that would be great!.” I held the thought for a moment and tried to let it really sink in. No more picking myself apart every time I pass by a mirror. No more comparing myself to others who seemed to have it all together… have a better job… a better house… are better parents… the list goes on. And beyond that, what would it look like if I wasted no more of my precious time on these foolish, unproductive thoughts, but instead, turned my attention to more worthwhile pursuits? I think the reason that God wants us to see ourselves as God sees us is because God wants us to get busy with a life of service to others. If we’re content with who we are, then we are free to share our gifts and encourage others. So, the benefit of “being happy with yourself” goes way beyond just you. Do you see the beauty in that? Just to be clear, I haven’t quite mastered this -- yet. But I have my moments, and that’ll do for now.