The What’s Wrong List

“I have six granddaughters. They’re all beautiful. THey don’t think so. One doesn’t like her nose, one thinks her stomach isn’t flat enough, one thinks her hair is too flat. The list goes on. They only one who doesn’t complain about her looks is the baby. She hasn’t learned to yet. She’s two. I can identify with my granddaughters. I started a list of things that were wrong with me a long time ago. And I kept adding to it. During my life, I’ve spent thousands of dollars on my hair, my makeup, and my clothes, trying to look prettier, because I grew up believing that pretty girls had happier lives. I’d be a lot happier now if I had that time and money back.”

Excerpted from Makeovers at the Beauty Counter of Happiness, by Ilene Beckerman

Who doesn’t have a self-criticism list? I’ve thought about my list and, unfortunately, I think it’s really long. In 23 years, I’m not sure why it has gotten so long. How can 23 years of living create such damage? Damage to the heart and soul and total well-being of one small, 5’3″ body. While recognizing a list exists is one step, pursuing to eliminate items from the list is a whole other task. I think I’m going to write my “wrong list” down and then actively attempt to remove an item every month or so. That seems reasonable.