Don't Try So Hard

When I was in 4th grade, I thought that I'd never be kissed because my lips were always chapped.  The girls on screen and in magazines who got kissed only ever had perfectly smooth lips; ergo, you need unchapped lips to be kissed.  It wasn't an immediate concern since I wasn't actively hoping to be kissed by boys when I was 11, but I distinctly remember thinking that I had a few years to work on my lips so that they'd be kissable when I wanted them to be.

Since then, there's almost always been something I've thought I needed to improve in order to be found attractive, from my hair to my skin to my weight.  It's taken years (six of which I've spent with the most generous, supportive, and loving man) for me to realize that, while there are things I can do to be healthier and more comfortable in my own body, the changes I should make have very little to do with feeling - or being seen as - more beautiful.  I already am beautiful, chapped lips and all.

post-shower, post-walk; pre-ready for the day

Jon and I Skyped last night and, near the end of the conversation, I asked him the following question:

"What is the first thing you think when you roll over in the morning and see me?"

He paused.

"That you're beautiful?"

I laughed and assured him that it wasn't a trick question, explaining the purpose of this Don't Try So Hard link-up.  He seemed a bit bemused.  I repeated the question.

"Well," Jon replied slowly, "the first thing I think is that I'm very lucky."

"And the second?"

"I wonder when Charlie is going to land on us."

And there you have it, dear readers: priorities.  Leave it to my husband and my dog to remind me that trying hard should not be at the top of my list!