Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

They're also more distorted: warped because of the barrage of messages we receive from television and movies and music and even corporations about what beautiful is supposed to look like, or what cool is supposed to look like, or what breathtaking is supposed to look like, or what human is supposed to look like. What we see in the mirror is never going to be what we see in the media because what we see in the media is often computer-aided fantasy -- and we're forget that fantasy isn't reality. And seduced by inadequacy, we fail to accept or even recognize the mere possibility that reality might be even better.

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

They're also more limited: because the mirror is incapable of capturing context. The mirror won't tell you that the person it reflects is also capable of incredible generosity. Or humour. Or kindness. The mirror doesn't tell the rich history of the ancestors that gifted those eyes, that nose, those hips -- ancestors who also gifted that work ethic, that resilience, that capacity for deep empathy. The mirror is incapable of reflecting the vast scope of attributes that might be present whenever someone is in the presence of real, breathtaking beauty.

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

They're also more incomplete. Because mirrors are only capable of reflecting a specific moment in time -- and we rarely live in that specific moment in time. Because mirrors are never around to show us what we look like the instant someone we love walks into a room. Or when we suddenly laugh at a funny joke. Or when we're enjoying a peaceful moment, in a beautiful place, with company we enjoy. Mirrors are never there when we're truly shining. Mirrors, for all their reflective properties, never show us our light. Even though there's no question that we all radiate light.

Objects in mirror are not what they appear.

Song: We are all made of stars by Moby

Today's post inspired by the "In the mirror" prompt from Write Alm's March Prompt-A-Day. You can read all of the prompts here.