Shortly after my marriage ended, my grandmother showed up at my house with an ornate antique gold mirror. “You need this,” she said as she laid it on my wooden kitchen table. “It’ll help you find yourself again.” She handed me a hammer and a mirror hanging kit, nodding at me, “You can do it.” I looked in the mirror and then at my grandmother, smiling wearily. It seemed like a lot of work, and I couldn’t understand how a mirror could help me find myself again.
You see, gold was never my thing.
I never felt a connection to the metal; I never wore it. Even my wedding ring was white gold because I didn’t like yellow gold. We never used it in decor; it always seemed too much to me. It wasn’t me.
The Significance of the Gold Mirror
Did you know that the word Chrysalis is derived from the Greek for gold, which comes from the word khrusos? Since I’ve been gifted my grandmother’s silver mirror, I’ve decorated my home with golden mirrors, which include the sitting table and a beautiful mirror in my living room. In these mirrors, I can stare at the woman in the reflection and know who she is. She is a woman surrounded by gold because she shines. Even if that glow has been dimmed, she still shines.
So often, when we’re going through a major life change, we forget who we were and who we are, and we quite literally don’t even take the time to stop and look at ourselves. Are we afraid? Are we sad? It’s almost as if we sit shiva for the person we were by avoiding mirrors and our own reflection. But the thing is, is that reflection back? It’s still us. We’re still here.
The Power of Self-Love
It’s really important to have a mirror you love to love yourself in—you deserve it. I found an old post-it note on my desk the other day that simply said, “Smile at yourself.” It was from my lowest times, and I truly was pained by my own face as it looked so hurt. But over time, I learned to look into the reflection and see the crinkles near my eyes or the shape of my lips, and then a smile would emerge. I’d feel a sense of pride and relief, as it felt like coming home again to that person. So, if you do anything today, smile at yourself in the mirror. Can’t smile? Just make eye contact. One step at a time to your fresh start.
Practical Advice for Your Fresh Start
Incorporating a gold mirror or even a mirror table into your decor can bring to the fore a new start and an image that not only reflects your changing image but also is a harbinger of newer beginnings. The main categories of gold mirrors are as many as they are various and can match any given decor, from the antique and opulent to the modern and simple. These mirrors not only elevate your home’s looks but also reflect your inner worth and positivity each day. Choosing a mirror shape and location pays off in the end result.
The power of a mirror as a focal point entirely depends on the size of the mirror; a small mirror can disrupt the charm, while a large one can swallow a room. Specify where your mirror should be installed so that it can be easily observed on a daily basis, like in the bedroom or at the entryway. This process will strengthen and support your good arguments and develop the self-love you are creating.
In conclusion, starting your day with a mirror that reflects your fresh beginnings is more than just a decor choice—it’s a step toward embracing and celebrating yourself. Whether it’s a gold mirror or a stylish mirror table, find a piece that resonates with you and makes you feel seen. Remember, you are worthy of the reflection staring back at you.