There is no Secret Ingredient

Every week I learn something new about myself, or a principle that is re-enforced.  Several weeks ago my daughter was watching one of my most favorite movies:  Kung Fu Panda.  I loved this movie the first time, and love it even more each time I watch it.  The beautiful thing about the end of this movie is that Po realizes that there is no secret ingredient to greatness, which everyone was seeking on the dragon scroll.  When they found that it was empty, and only reflected their image, they were disappointed.  As I thought about that I realized that for such a long time I had been searching for a secret ingredient to a "perfect" body, according to the world.  But just like Po, I realized that there is no secret ingredient.  We just have to look at our own images in the mirror.  All of us were created in the image of God.  Which gives us Godlike attributes and the ability to become like Him.  Our true greatness comes from within, not from anything in the world. 

I guess if there is a secret ingredient, it would be that we all have to believe in our divine potential.  If we all understood that, we would treat our bodies differently.  Which is exactly what I am striving to do.  Focus on all the amazing things that my body can do, rather then all the things it can't do or all the imperfections.  It's a hard thing to do.  Our natural tendency when we look in the mirror is focus on all that is wrong.  What if you started focusing on all that was good?  Just that slight change in attitude will make a world of difference.  I know, because it has for me.  I'm still working on focusing on the good, and my divine potential.  But you have to start somewhere.  And if all you can see about yourself is that you have a pretty eye color, that's a start.  Then you can be grateful that you have eye sight, and see the color of butterfly wings, or tulips and daffodils as they push their way through snowy ground, or the shape of your children's cheeks as they sleep, smile or laugh.  Your eye sight allows you to read recipes, blogs, and books.  Your eyes are a gift from God, who loves you and wants you to experience all of these things, and more.  Focus on your eyes, first, and go from there.  You will feel a change come over you. 

I think the point I'm trying to make is that life is so much more enjoyable when we aren't obsessed about a number, a size or shape.  I am trying to move away from that way of thinking.  It's difficult, I wont lie.  Especially when it's been engrained in you for what seems like your whole life.  But I can HONESTLY say that now that I have moved past the scale, numbers and sizes that  I am happier.  Now I want to treat my body with kindness so that I can continue to experience this world as God intended me to, with Joy.