APRIL: It's never too late, right? ;)

Considering today is April 29th and I have yet to post anything about my April journey I figured today is just as good of a day as any to share what this month has been about for me.  Originally this month was going to be::::: NO COMPLAINING:::::: but let's be honest I just wasn't ready to take on this challenge just yet <<<<stay tuned on this one>>>>

I was honestly a bit too distracted away from my goal of no complainig on the actual day and realized at that point that I had no idea how much I had been complaining.  So then I changed my goal to writing every day.... and although I have kept with this there wasn't much interest in sharing it.... I think the most interesting part of my 30 day challenge this month has been staring in the mirror and saying I love you <Joey> several times and then continue to look into the mirror at ME for a couple of minutes.

I know it might sound a little 'odd' or maybe too familiar to the Saturday night live skit back in the day where he would look in the mirror and say "I’m smart enough, I’m strong enough, and gosh darn it … people like me!" you can watch it here-----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIETlxquzY....  I will say this though... don't knock this exercise until you try it.

It's actually quite an unusual and at times awkward experiment.  This is really interesting to me because it's me that I'm looking at in the mirror and yet something about looking at me and saying I love you brings out a discomfort in me.  What is it that I am so afraid to see? What is it that I am so afraid to hear?

I live with me... all the time.... but yet to acknowledge me while actually looking at me...sheesh now that stirs something up.... to truly be 'seen' by ME

In doing this little exercise the truth is each day I noticed a subtle difference...  I began to become more comfortable at looking at myself and truly seeing the the person behind the reflection.  Not only did I become comfortable but I began to notice me more...and with that noticing how compassion and acceptance began to seep in.

So I leave you with this....  GO... try it... stare in the mirror at yourSELF and say "I love you .........."(your name) and then just look for several minutes at the person staring back at you.  You might just be surprised at the stranger staring back or maybe you'll start to fall in love with the extraordinary creation you are... either way it's worth it to have a look and simply "see".