Choose to Take the Journey

“Lucky that my breasts are small and humble, so you don’t confuse them with mountains.”
-Shakira

I heard this on the radio today and it made me smile. It somehow reminded me of how I used to be self-conscious of my small, girly hands. That changed in high school when I took a career placement test that partly consisted of drawing lines to connect a series of diamonds. Apparently, my small hands and manual dexterity were well-suited for a career as a surgeon. I was never really interested in surgery since I don’t particularly relish the sight of blood. But upon seeing my results, my friend commented that I had a doctor’s hands. After that, I couldn’t help but look at my hands without thinking, “These are the hands of a doctor!”

I have many “attributes” that I’ve come to view differently over the years. My large birthmark isn’t ugly, but unique. My incorrigibly thick hair means as an old man, I might yet still get to keep my hair. And surely my oversized forehead must be a sign of a big brain…

…right?

Many so-called “imperfections” can be cast in a different light. Growing up poor just means you’ll appreciate money more when you have it. Being a minority or an immigrant makes it easier for you to have an open mind. And having a “lazy eye” means you can keep your eye on 2 people simultaneously instead of just one!

Just kidding. But if you have a hard time thinking positively about an imperfection of yours, try to develop a sense of humor about it and people will love you for it–whenever, wherever.