Don’t see me that way. See what I want you to see. See this very put-together, intelligent woman who is strong, capable, and adventurous.

Ignore the me who is uncertain, flaky, slightly messy, and always acts cautiously to protect her aging hips.

Sadly, despite my efforts, you see it all. My favorite pose in the mirror serves as confidence for the day. Then there is the 360 view I manage not to see. I wish I could hide all that is less than flattering, but then I remember what my mother told my very nervous eight-year-old self: If you were perfect, no one would want to be your friend, and life would be boring.

So here I am: the person who remembers to put her phone on the charger but forgets to plug it in, the one whose tag is sticking out of her collar, the thoughtful friend who shows up on the wrong day for your party, the woman who remembers being such a good mom until her children lovingly (or not so lovingly) remind her of lesser times, the one who endlessly looks for her glasses and keys even when they are in front of her.

As I get older, my feelings of vulnerability diminish. I accept myself—all of me—more and more. It’s been a painful journey at times, but it is so worth the trip. I owe much of it to “doing the work,” going inside and making peace with my humanity, my character, and my highest priorities that make other things less important.

Are you highly sensitive to criticism? To feelings of imperfection?

Hypnotherapy, guided meditation, and affirmations can help you make peace with yourself. It is worth the journey. I’m here if you need me.

Mary