Memories of school wouldn't be complete without the constant teasing of friends and classmates alike about one thing or another, so of course I had my fair share of it. And it's always been about my massive hair - which is as curly as Goldilocks' hair can be, except with the added humidity, became such a messy bush. I so can relate to Hermione Granger! But don't get me wrong, I didn't cry over the teasing (not that HG did) but it didn't help with me appreciating and loving my natural curls. But I'd laugh with my classmates over their comments of my hair being the result of my dad's grounding me of my pleasures every time my grades drop. It was pretty funny seeing how I was constantly grounded and my hair being the way it is. I'd like to think not being too insecure about it was what saved me from experiencing the lowest of self-esteem. Though that's the case, I still wouldn't let my hair down and as such, ponytail was the only hairstyle I knew back then.
It was only 10 years after high school that I accidentally noticed that my natural curls aren't as bad as they seemed. I took a chance and went to work without straightening my hair, and the compliments I got from my co-workers were so uplifting that I started to appreciate my hair au natural. I was even called a silly girl by a co-worker with seriously straight hair (which she constantly curls) for fighting my hair's natural waves. That just goes to show how we always are drawn to things we don't have or are not. But to be honest, I think it's probably the good weather here in BC and being surrounded by people who'd love to have curly hair that made me appreciate what I have. I don't have perfect curls and they're far from looking tame most of the time but I'm not too shy about letting it down now (saves me a lot of time in the morning too!).
Okay, I've rattled on too much but what I really want to leave you with is that we all need to earn to appreciate the way God has shaped us, what God has given us. Fighting it only leads us exhausted and miserable. Of course it's okay to take care of ourselves better and enhance what He has given, but learning to appreciate our natural self leads to a more relaxing, carefree, and beautiful life.
When we're not complaining, doesn't life seem more inviting and exciting to live? :)
This is me happy and appreciative. This is also me secured in the love God has for me. It's been said that "The woman is the reflection of her man," and I am certainly at peace and joyful because of the love I found in God. I found that this verse has also been of great help in learning to appreciate myself more:
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
Such sweet words right? Who am I to be disappointed in myself when God delights in me and will even sing for me?
Keep livin' happy! ☺