Mirror of Pain - What Do You See In The Mirror?
Mirror – A reflection of a CLEAR IMAGE
When I read that definition, it always makes me pause. Really think about that. Looking into the mirror are you seeing yourself as a clear image, or is there something underlying that is hidden?
A mirror is a reflection of ourselves, right? What happens when we take a longer look, do we see our “true self” looking back at us?
I believe for most people the answer is NO.
Why do you think that no would be the most popular answer?
The answer is in the image. The image that we see can be a distorted or clouded view of who we once were. I have looked into the mirror many times throughout my life and thought, “Who the heck is that, and where did Lisa go”?
Life can bring us so many challenges along the way, and as we harbor certain emotions, pains and heartbreak, that once clear view is now tainted.
It is like someone took that mirror and scraped soap all over it, so now the view is marred.
As a young girl growing up in an abusive household, I visually saw my mirror change right before my eyes. As a young child filled with wonder, I always sought out the beauty in everything, but as time went on and life became darker, my view was scathed by a life that was foreign and painful. That light in the mirror dimmed over time, until one day I stood there and took a long hard look.
I was 13 years old, with many years of abuse piled on my back, and the damage was devastating.
As I stood there, I was shocked at the daunting image that looked back at me.
The Jaded View…
Loss, Pain, Abuse, Heartache took my shine away, and replaced it with someone that I did not even recognize. I was a young skinny girl with big sad brilliant blue eyes. The blue color was the only essence of myself left, and that is what drew me in closer.
As everything else seems barren and bleak, those eyes, those bright baby blues spoke to me. When you look into your own eyes, it is like taking a step inside of your soul.
I looked at them for a long period of time, and they spoke to me. They allowed me to see a very clear view for the first time in a very long time. They allowed me to see the darkness, and encouraged me to see the light.
As I stood there evaluating the wreckage, I found a glimmer of my “true” self, and that is what I latched onto. My inner flame could not be dead, if I am still alive.
With that realization, I started to touch my face, and pinch my arms like I was reclaiming my soul. I felt something for the first time, in what seemed like an eternity.
On that day, and in that moment, I decided it was time to fight for ME. I wanted to bask in the sunshine and live the life that I deserved. In that glorious moment, I claimed my self-worth, and fought tooth and nail for a “clear reflection” the one that I had lost and longed for. It was a yearning that I suppressed for far too long.
In our worst moments of darkness, we can find the light. I can say this because I lived it.
It was the biggest fight of my life, but so worth the journey.
We all have those life moments, when we are brought to our knees, and that reflection is a painful reminder of our “unspoken truths”.
When we hit the point of no return, the only way out, is UP!
Stand up, push forward, and make your mark on the world in a positive way. It may take some time, and many tears, but as the river flows it cleanses the soul.
Once you make your way back to solid ground, you will finally see your most authentic reflection.
So, you see, the mirror is not always right. You must take a deeper look to find that diamond in the rough.
The choice is yours, as you are the playmaker of the story set before you. How will you change the narrative? Do you even want to?
At the end of the day, it must come from within.
Are you ready to take a peek?
Embrace the Journey,
God Bless
Lisa Zarcone
Author - Child and Mental Health Advocate - Public Speaker
Social Media Influencer - Blogger - Inspirationalist
Massachusetts National Ambassador for Naasca ( National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse)
Newly Awarded - 2023 Woman of Impact - Business West Magazine - Western Massachusetts
Hard work and determination opens doors, but true passion opens the mind — Lisa Zarcone
