Member-only story
More than Enough, Lies
The other night my 11-year-old knocked over my glass I’d put on the floor next to the sofa where I was sitting. She didn’t see the glass, and most of its contents spilled out on the floor. I was frustrated, even exasperated.
There was no yelling, no shaming, no telling her to be more careful. It was all okay.
Until my dear girl spoke the words, “I hate myself.”
Her response shocked me, not only because the mistake was not a big deal, but because her words were so hurtful toward herself. Immediately I rose and approached her and took her face in my hands. I looked into her eyes for several moments,
I saw in her a deep desire to believe the worst about herself.
I saw in her a deep need for absolute, unconditional love, for real, absolute truth, and for unrestricted, wholehearted acceptance.
I saw in her a strong desire to be seen and to belong.
I saw in her a reflection of me.
In that moment, as I held her face in my hands and looked into her eyes, I spoke a deep, unshakable truth:
“I am tired. I am human. I was frustrated. Even so, I love you. You are smart. You are amazing. You are creative. You are beautiful in your soul and your heart. I love you beyond words and it is so not okay for you to say you…
