We all know the feeling: standing in front of the mirror, consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts—some dissecting the jowls that now rest where youthful cheeks once were, alongside a to-do list that grows as relentlessly as gray hairs do. Welcome to the human experience, where a morning routine becomes a mental battleground. It's a mental fog we've all walked through, wondering who will offer a kind word to our weary selves. Spoiler alert: that someone might just be you, well, at least if you take a page out of Mel Robbins' book.
Mel, renowned motivational speaker and author, recounts a particularly eye-opening instance during a mundane bathroom encounter. There she was, standing in underwear before her mirror, wrapped in a cloud of self-critique that soon transformed into a tornado of stress as everyday stressors stormed her mind. You know the drill: missed emails, impending presentations, barking dogs, looming Zoom calls—all competing for the front seat in your mental minivan.
But in an act no less corny than revolutionary, Mel Robbins did something akin to a small revolution; she raised her hand and high-fived her reflection. Yes, a high-five. To herself. In the mirror. And guess what? It felt invigorating. Like unleashing a cheesy SNL sketch from its humor vault, it invited a smile. It's as if you find delight in the frost-covered windows on the coldest mornings—not because the frost isn't cold but because your breath creates patterns of hope all over the glass.
The Science and Serendipity of Self-High-Fives
This simple gesture is like manna for the soul. You see, Mel explains that high-fives are bathed in a lifetime of positive connotations. The momentary touch delivers an energy exchange that speaks volumes: "You did it," "You rock," "You've got this." Imagine the soothing effects if you could pivot that pervasive positivity inward. It’s a nurturing, unspoken communion, more akin to a divine touch than mere self-talk. It's not about merely talking yourself up in a mirror, but more about an energetic connection that's as natural as a sunset.
Consider your daily life. How often do you go out of your way to energize others, whether planning a birthday extravaganza or cheering for your favorite team, maybe the Red Sox or Giants? You toss out high-fives like confetti to racing runners, yet forget to shower yourself with the same vigor. Why the oversight? Because we've been flipped upside down into thinking that conferring approval upon ourselves is somehow taboo or conceited. You've mastered the art of building bridges with others, but no one ever taught you how to construct a drawbridge towards yourself.
Denouncing the Demon of Self-Doubt
Why are we our own worst critics? If you’re anything like me, a functioning member of the self-doubt club, you've likely become skilled at finding flaws in the mirror while your truest self languishes under a blanket of impersonality. Psychology—a field continually evolving like a painting that finds new shapes with every brushstroke—tells us it’s cognitive bias at work. This evolutionary leftover automatically finds flaws to protect us from danger, itching our skin with criticism before we can even find the balm of reassurance.
This bias, Mel suggests, often takes root in childhood, nurtured either by hard-on-themselves caregivers or peers we desperately aimed to impress (yet sometimes failed to). Through critiquing yourself, you 'safeguard' against rejection. Yet, ironically, you become your solitary critic, muffling the song that makes your soul dance.
The Liberation of the "True You"
So where's the key to liberation? Behind your mirror, in the moment you learn that high-fiving your reflections is to affirm your existence. Consider it an invitation to realign with authenticity, breaking free from expectations like a bird unshackling its wings from winter's grip.
In the daring realm where self-deprecation meets self-compassion, Mel Robbins offers a window—rather, a mirror—to the soul. Transform self-critique into self-celebration, and be sure to take Mel's journey a step further: embark on a mission with her latest bestseller. Curious minds can find the book that magnetizes good vibes just like that high-five through our exclusive Amazon Affiliate link .
Challenges Are Stepping Stones
If we actually stop to ponder, the fervor with which we scrutinize appearance—our sagging necks or uneven boobs—does it boost our stock in human happiness? No, but much like a cold rain that coaxes flowers from their stems, these daily struggles can lead us to emotional blossom when faced head-on.
By high-fiving your mirror, you challenge conventional wisdom. You redefine the idea of success, not as something foreign or on a distant horizon, but as the recognition within the everyday. You look at the past self that chattered about mistakes made over coffee, with a forgiving eye. Maybe it's time to also applaud ourselves.
Invites for Discussions and Actions
Take an introspective tour—how do you treat yourself? Can you imagine a world where self-compassion coexists with critique? Why not be the change you're yearning for? We invite you to respond in the comments below with stories, reflections, and high-five moments. Are you ready to become a palpable part of the "Shining City on the Web?" Like, share, and debate this narrative of self-evolution—be the person you wish someone else would be for you.
Each day lurks new potential for affirmation. It's time, after all, for the self-sustaining psyche where high-fives aren't just gestures—they're gospels in this era's narrative of self-discovery.
Wait! There's more...check out our fascinating short story that continues the journey: The Wind-Sculpted Mirror
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations and reviews are always independent and objective, aiming to provide you with the best information and resources.
Get Exclusive Stories, Photos, Art & Offers - Subscribe Today!
Related posts:
Take Control of Your Life: Watch This Motivational Video
If You’re Skeptical About Whether or Not You Can Change, Do Not Watch This Video
Have you ever been called BOSSY? Watch this now!
Think You’re “TOO OLD” to Start Something New? Watch This Now!
Want to transform your life? Try this simple method
Post Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.