You wouldn’t think much to look at it. And of course that assumes that you would have even noticed it in the first place. Many people would walk right by and yet it would remain unseen. They don’t recognize the magic. The wonder. The amazing. It’s all within view if they can simply look a little harder.
I feel this way sometimes. I am invisible. Hidden in the roles I play. Camouflaged in a daily routine. Surrounded by a beautiful facade. At times I want to fault others for their failure to see what I have to offer, but then the realization slams into me.
The others aren’t the ones who are missing it. I am.
I am the one who can’t see who I truly am, and I am the one who can’t recognize what I have to offer.
How often do we degrade our perceptions of ourselves based on where we are in the moment? We criticize our physical appearances. We curse our life circumstances. We replay our sad choices and moments of humanity in our minds and declare ourselves unworthy or unlovable. We twist reality to meet our misconceptions and insecurities. We assume that the world sees us this way as well.
But that doesn’t make any of those judgements true.
It is human nature to seek validation from every external source we can find. The irony is that the wonder and mystery of our lives is not what happens on the outside. It is without question that the experiences and individuals outside of our physical and spiritual selves are there to be enjoyed, loved, and appreciated. They complement our human experience and allow us to grow on countless levels. We develop with these external elements, but the true miracle that is embedded inside us was there long before they came along.
Something deep and beautiful and mysterious lies dormant within us. It waits to break free of all that we create to keep it locked away. We must push past our fears if we are to know our true beauty and purpose. We are so much more than we allow others and ourselves to see. Wake up. Reveal your beauty to the world. And break free!
Love to all of the beautiful miracles out there! Joanna
***pic 1 – monarch chrysalis hanging on a lemon plant on our patio
***pic 2 – monarch caterpillar having a nap before chewing up more milkweed
***pic 3 – monarch butterfly that had just emerged from another chrysalis on our patio this morning
Momentum of Joy 
Jul 22, 2017 @ 17:32:49
thanks for this joanna! i needed it tonight. ❤ you are awesome ❤ xoxo
Jul 22, 2017 @ 17:41:12
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your telling me that. It was like you gave my heart a hug. Thank you. Really.
Jul 22, 2017 @ 18:14:19
As I am thankful for your friendship as well, MoJo. Your friend, Jan
Jul 22, 2017 @ 18:49:17
WOW … profound … this moved me. Thanks for sharing, jan
Jul 22, 2017 @ 17:56:38
Thank you my friend. So often I need to remember these truths myself and I believe that whomever needs to hear the message will know that it’s for them, too. I’m thankful for your friendship Jan. 🙂
Jul 22, 2017 @ 23:54:26
I love it Joanna…far too often I believed so many of those misconceptions about myself…regardless of what others told me. I’ve come out if my cocoon now though… I love the visual image I got as I read your words!!! Keep up the awesome writing;!!
Jul 23, 2017 @ 07:56:18
Thank you so much. I feel like I see myself – the real me – when I write from my heart and soul. I even feel that when I write (most of) the humorous satirical stuff. I love that you allow your inner light to shine freely with hindrances. I need to figure out how to do that, too! You inspire me and you always give me hope. 🤗
Jul 23, 2017 @ 09:36:27
Aww, well I wish I could share a secret to the way I write…. But it simply is the way I am. I always try to look beyond the words, to feel the meanings…it brings me great joy to know that I make a difference for you, and so many others it seems. I simply close my eyes for a moment, then open my heart..:) much love!! Be blessed with your work!!💜
Jul 23, 2017 @ 09:53:39
You, too, darling!
Jul 23, 2017 @ 07:15:13
Our hardest critic is ourselves 🌹
Jul 23, 2017 @ 08:17:15
I so agree!
Jul 23, 2017 @ 08:40:07
Wow jo just simply wow
Jul 23, 2017 @ 09:21:15
🤗🤗🤗
Jul 23, 2017 @ 22:06:13
Amen!!! Focusing on the past – especially past mistakes and “what ifs” – is so unhealthy. It can make us sad and even physically sick! You have a good attitude…
Jul 23, 2017 @ 21:13:46
Thank you! 😊
Jul 25, 2017 @ 09:48:33
Sending you a heartfelt hug…what a beautiful post! Perfect, just like you! ♥
Jul 25, 2017 @ 15:08:37
I am rubber…you are glue… (Come on! You know the rest!). 🤗🤗🤗