Before the Mirror

The artist I admired remained elusive until I took up painting myself. Following a deeply painful breakup, I found myself trapped in a dark space of self-reflection for nearly a year. He was strikingly beautiful, making it hard to look away; with his piercing ice-blue eyes and the word ‘eccentric’ tattooed in French on his arm, he had an allure that was both captivating and frightening. He was also my best friend for a decade. The pain of losing him felt like a part of my soul had been torn out. I spent countless days lost in a haze, staring blankly at the world.

A Moment of Clarity

Out of nowhere, a transformative realization emerged during my darkest days. It was as if I stepped out of my cave, finally feeling warmth touch my face. After enduring months of despair, a lightbulb flickered on, altering my perception forever (and yes, I’ve tried Ayahuasca multiple times, but that’s a different narrative). I thought my suffering would reduce me to nothing, yet I rose anew, like a phoenix from the ashes. I uncovered a crucial truth about self-love that I now refer to as The Interpersonal Mirror.

A Shift in Perspective

While painting on a budget canvas from a discount store, my entire viewpoint on relationships transformed. Yes, they sell canvases there, and I opted for the inexpensive option since I was a novice. Frustrated and uninspired after my breakup, I decided to ignite my own creativity. The moment I began painting, I fell in love with this newfound aspect of myself, one I believed was only present in him. That’s when everything changed.

Understanding the Reflection

I came to realize that everything I missed about the person I lost represented parts of my own psyche yearning for exploration and love. The traits I disliked in him were often reflections of qualities I subconsciously wished to change in myself. He had shown me what I needed to confront, and his absence made me aware of this reality. Everyone in my life became a mirror, revealing the path to loving myself deeply.

When I started viewing people as reflections of my true self, I discovered a way to foster confidence and cultivate self-respect. The universe communicates through our interactions with others, and I began to see these relationships as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Breaking Limiting Beliefs

If your relationships have been challenging, you might have unconsciously accepted negative beliefs about love and connection. You may think that luck or fate controls your relationships. Such beliefs can become ingrained, causing you to attract similar patterns repeatedly. You might not realize that you are the common factor in these experiences. Recognizing that everyone acts as a mirror can lead to profound transformation in your relationships.

Be the Change You Seek The essence of any relationship will remain unchanged until you do. Initially, it might be hard to accept that everyone reflects aspects of yourself, but once you embrace this concept, you can improve relationships that once felt unattainable.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the interpersonal mirror can turn your life into an exhilarating journey into your psyche and heart. The people around you are invaluable clues for uncovering hidden facets of your consciousness. Whether you cherish these aspects or wish to release them, it’s time to embark on a journey of self-exploration. Gather the pieces of mirrors you observe in others and create the masterpiece that represents your authentic self.