Week 3-If There Were No Mirrors. . .

Would you imagine you were prettier?

More handsome? More beautiful?

Would you perceive yourself capable

of most anything? Sturdy and strong?

Would you feel younger than you are?

Playful? Curious? Eager to learn?

Would you think anything is possible

and not be afraid or hesitant?

Would you envision your success

and try, and try again?

Would you love yourself more. . .

be kinder and less critical?

Would you laugh more and worry less?

Would you feel lighter and relaxed 

while you ponder what matters most?

Would you realize you are divine
and have divine potential?

Would you love yourself unconditionally
in the face of flaws you could not see?
Would you know your true self better
without a glass that reflects an image
of what you think others want to view?
Would you without a looking glass be more you?

My discovery this third week as I wrote this poem is that I can do things even if I look at myself in the mirror and think I can't or shouldn't even try.  I have joined a USTA team and play tennis with others more experienced and some much younger than me.  I played my first match last Tuesday where my fabulous assigned partner and I lost 2-6, 1-6. Even though we lost, I ran, returned serves, and sought to hit winners against the opposing team who were the age of my children.  I have only played competitively in singles' circuits playing others from the same club, and that was over ten years ago. This match we played others visiting from a different club.  I have been taking beginning doubles group lessons one day a week for about a year.  My instructor finally asked what I was waiting for so I am wading in slowly, but enjoying the water with every little step I take.  Winning is not what I am about for now; I am just thrilled I am in the game. 

 Without a mirror, I imagine I can 

learn to play doubles tennis. . .

and I do! 

(Sometimes I even play in a blue
 tennis skirt I wore ten years ago.)