If I was to stand naked in front of a mirror, what would I see?

I would see a woman who is closer to middle age then to her twenties.

I would see a woman who has laughed long and hard and has telling smile lines running along the sides of rose-coloured lips.

I would see a woman who thinks deeply and whose ideas have permanently etched paths that criss-cross an angular forehead.

I would see a woman who never liked to wear a bra and whose breast lay, playfully on the skin of her chest.

I would see a woman who placed herself in the sun every chance she got and has the makings of a small desert on top of each one of her hands and shoulders.

I would see a woman who always looked back at whatever it was that was looking at her.

I would see a woman who practiced her lingering stare.

I would see a woman who views her body more as a tool then an accessory.

I would see a woman who gets goosebumps when she hears about sadness and about ghosts.

I would see a woman whose ears wake up when she is told secrets about somebody else’s soul.

I would see a woman whose eyes are gentle and patient and whose spirit cracks through them like a lightning storm, fierce and strong.

I would see a woman who is surprised when she sees this woman.

I would see a woman with a tall and sturdy back from sitting on countless meditation cushions on polished, wooden floors.

I would see a woman who smiles quickly when she is aware of being seen, as she finds intimacy in the act of observation.

I would see a woman who has a hard time breathing fully into her belly because there are currently still things that scare her.

I would see a woman who was told when she was young that the freckles that sprinkled her entire body were angel kisses and tries as an adult to believe this is true.

I would see a woman who is becoming the woman that she will someday be.

If I undressed right now and stood naked in front of a mirror, what would I see?

I would see a woman.

Thank goodness, me.

 

Author: Sarah Norrad

Editor: Sara Kärpänen

Image: Pixabay