Reena is the host of Reena’s Xploration Challenge

Welcome back!
PROMPT #196
The person I see in the mirror is not me. It hurts that I’ve lived with this stranger for so long.
Use the sentence above, or the spirit of it in your piece.

The first thing we usually see in the morning is our face in the bathroom mirror. I’m so used to looking at my face that I seldom pay much attention unless there’s something different about me. That is when I am not paying much attention to what lies beneath the surface.
But there are days when I feel the person I see in the mirror is not the real me. I feel that I’ve lived with this stranger for so long, and have not been totally fair to her.
I smile at myself sometimes to see how I look while smiling at others. I make faces to see how my different expressions look. But what I cannot do is to open my heart so that others can see what I feel. How I absorb all the hurt I feel without letting it show on my face. How I smile when my heart is heavy with unshed tears.
These feelings never come to the surface because I feel that whatever happens, I need to present a cheerful front to those around me, especially my loved ones. In trying to appear happy, I do sometimes in reality start to feel happy and that is perhaps the power of suggestion. Look happy and you’ll start feeling happy.
Being true to oneself is indeed a gift that few of us bestow on ourselves. We often suppress our inner emotions and put on a false facade. I don’t mean to say that we should wear our emotions on our sleeves, all the time and for everyone to see, but we should let people know when they hurt us by telling them gently that it hurt us.
Let’s hope that when we next look in the mirror, we see someone who has been treated fairly.
➰➰➰
#Keepitalive
#RXC
Nice one! I might try to attempt this one. I’m on a writing spree
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks 🙏
LikeLike
It is not easy to be happy for others always. This really moved me. Thanks for sharing, Sadje. ❤️🙏🏼
LikeLiked by 1 person
No it isn’t and takes a toll on us. Thank you so much my dear
LikeLike
Even if the brain is imagining or reminiscing, the body takes it as real. That is where psychosomatic diseases begin.
Your post highlights a very important point.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Reena. What you said is very true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Stranger in the mirror ,… By Sadje
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks Reena
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a powerful interpretation of the prompt. Thank you for sharing, Sadje!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure Pauli! Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true, I think we’ve been conditioned not to show our emotions. That they are a sign of weakness, when in reality, showing your emotions is actually a sign of strength
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that is so true. A person who cries or complains is called weak. Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, this one resonates so deeply with me, Sadje. I lived that way for a long time. Not so today. It is so nice to look in the mirror and love the human being we are, instead of hiding with performances. A beautiful post, my friend. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad that you’ve broken this compulsion in yourself too hide your emotions. Thanks a lot for your positive feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. You’re welcome, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍👍👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes …
mirror mirror on the wall
knows our joys and fals
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed. Thanks Ivor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Sadje ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Being true to oneself is indeed a gift that few of us bestow on ourselves. We often suppress our inner emotions and put on a false facade.” Indeed! If we can’t be true to ourselves, no one else will truly know, your heart! Nice share!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Warren. I appreciate your kind words
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏
LikeLike
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a joy and pleasure to read and share your posts with followers, My Dear! Hope you have a great day!! xoxox 😘💕🎁🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done, Sadje! Very profound.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot Eugenia
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
So profound Sadje 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jude.
LikeLike
Since I was a cashier for 20 years, I learned how to act happy and fine daily. It is a terrible thing to do and have spent years trying to come out of my performance. GREAT post Sadje!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot Leigha! I totally understand what you mean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💕
LikeLiked by 1 person