Reflections Of Truth

"Women have served all these centuries as looking-glasses possessing the magic and delicious power of reflecting the figure of man at twice its natural size." - Virginia Woolf, writer and literary critic

When I read this quote I immediately envisioned looking in the mirror at a carnival - the kind of mirror that makes our images really, really tall or really, really short. The image is extremely distorted in some way or another. It was fun to see myself in those funny mirrors because I knew that I didn't really look that way. I think that may be the point of this quote.

As I thought about this statement by Ms. Woolf, I found myself thinking about my interactions with different kinds of people - men, women, children, retirees, co-workers, etc., etc., etc. I have found myself judging people at times and I have been taught that if I point a finger at someone (in judgment) it leaves my other fingers pointing back at me. If someone is exhibiting unacceptable behavior, it usually means I recognize the character defect associated with this behavior - I recognize it because I have the very same defect. When I become aware of this, my reaction usually shifts from judgment to tolerance, from being critical to being compassionate. Once my perception changes, my attitude changes as well.

I understand that this viewpoint is not exactly on target with the gist of the quote but this is where my mind went after I read this quote. Today I want to reflect love and tolerance to all those I meet. Today I will choose to offer compassion and empathy where it is needed. Today I will only reflect honesty and truth to my friends and family. I am grateful to have the choice to reflect the positives today and every day. I am so grateful.


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