So there I was just finishing up my 3-mile fast walk, my iPod ear buds floating out of my ears from all the sweat pouring down my face, limping from the inevitable blister forming on my right heel when she comes running towards me looking fresh off of a Shape magazine cover shoot. You know, with that wind whipping through her tresses kind of effect? Perfect skin with a charming little flush to her cheeks (unlike the overheated, just got slapped in the face flush on my cheeks). She stops in front of me and immediately starts stretching her quads. And you know what? She just pulls those legs back like a friggin’ yoga instructor. She doesn’t even have to hop around kicking her leg back and forth hoping to gain enough momentum to catch it behind her. I immediately start stretching as it seems the appropriate thing to do. She smiles at me as she says, “Kind of a hot day for a run, huh?” I stare at her for a second as it dawns on me that she thinks I just finished a run. Of course she would, given my appearance. I smile sheepishly and reply, “Uh, definitely. I’m dying out here!” What? Did you think I was going to correct her as to the actual way I just spent my 45 minutes?!? Even I’m not that proud! She waves at me gaily and prances off. Literally. Prancing. Puke.

I have to be honest here. I went home from our little tete-a-tete feeling slightly down on myself. I felt like the Hunchback of Notre Dame to her Esmeralda. Now, I must clarify something here. Typically, I have quite a bit of self-confidence. I might even be known in some circles as borderline cocky. But then you cross paths with one of those people who God blessed especially well in the aesthetics department and it throws you for a loop, you know? Great body, great face, great hair, great skin. You’ve seen them. And sometimes it’s kind of hard to stomach. You start questioning why some people make out so friggin’ well and others…well…not so well. I should also clarify that I am definitely one of those types who can see the beauty in all people. I don’t so highly admire aesthetic beauty that I am immune to the fact that inner beauty shines much brighter. But…and it’s a big but…sometimes the inner diva in me breaks out and says, “Why can’t wind whip through my tresses?”

So, after meeting up with our real-life neighborhood Disney Princess I forced myself to really ask a question. “What on Earth am I hoping to gain by feeling so sorry for myself?” Why not feel comfortable in my own skin and enjoy life that much more? Why not count my own blessings and be grateful for the God-given attributes I possess? Besides, jealousy is a dead-end road. It’s a much brighter future when you appreciate what God gave you.

This little speech of mine has become almost a daily motivational tool. I truly believe that honest self-love comes from defensive positive thought. Every time some of that nasty little negativity fights its way into my brain I try to force it out with some positive thinking. It’s a work in progress but I can tell you I’m genuinely a pretty happy chick!

Well, I’m signing off for now. I have some “running” to do. Can’t let the neighbor think I’ve slacked off!

Love to all, Mindy