In part two MaryEllen discusses her struggles with body image and the season of life in which she could barely look at herself in the mirror.

Regardless of weight change and body image thoughts, in seasons when we feel unbearable to look at, we have to remember, it’s just a feeling. People can bear to look at you and if they can’t, preoccupation with what others think of us is vanity.

We - have - to - let - the - vanity - go!

So much easier said then done. Concern for one’s appearance is not inherently wrong, preoccupation with one’s appearance is inherently wrong. How do I know ? Well it leaves us anxious, afraid of others, outside of a flow state, and unable to healthfully regulate eating patterns.

Its so hard, really hard. I have to lay my puffy, “over-cortisoled” as the influencer would say, face aside each morning and continue onward. On so many days I fail. I sulk, grow depressed, lose energy and with it goes my joy.

My friend, in seasons where you feel unattractive remember its a feeling. Others can bare to look at you and if they can’t well its a really good thing that others do not define what you are worth.

Get up, or if you need it go lie down, just do something good for yourself. And don’t do it out of spite, do it out of kindness! Just start impulsively choosing to will your own good. Drink a glass of water, take a shower, take a nap, go for a run, smile, sit in silence, read a book, clean your room (hat tip to JP) just start spiraling upward.

Life for us prone to negative cognition is the game of: don’t let the idea of perfection hold you back altogether from any form of good.

Keep playing the game and you will arrive at something really good.