So in the definition of embarrassment lies the word self-conscious. Not to discourage self-conscious behavior, but causing it. It is a wonder that I have not addressed this sooner. If embarrassment is the cause of not only self-conscious mentalities but also shame and confusion, it is curious that we put up with such a behavior.
Embarrassment is one detrimental tendency among many that is learned that only reinforces negative mentalities. It is behaviors like this that we, as self-improvement-focused individuals, need to become aware of as not uplifting, but actually "abash"ing. There are so many things in our life only reinforcing our self negativity, but let's focus in on this one for today.
When was the last time you were embarrassed? Was it warranted? Let's explore for a second my last embarrassing situation, the turkey delivery. Honestly, I don't think this one is the last one, but you already have the background on it so it will save us the time of explaining a new situation. If you haven't read it yet, feel free to catch up here and come back http://thetruthfulbeauty.blogspot.com/2014/11/renew.html (If you don't want to catch up, do your best to muddle through). This was not only an embarrassing situation to me, it was down right mortifying. Why exactly? Because it goes against my heart's desire. My desire is that I look beautiful, accomplished, and together. In this moment what did I exhibit? Quite honestly, the reality. And the reality is messy. What doesn't make sense to me is why I spend so much time trying to skew the reality. Everyone is living in reality and whether they admit it or not, it is messy. Reality doesn't fulfill every cry or desire of the heart, no matter how much we long for that. If it did, there would be no challenge.
Another dilemma comes about when we try to hide our self behind a facade because we are embarrassed at the reality. This is a behavior that I engage in frequently that my husband never does. One of the biggest things I do is try to paint a picture of myself based on what society would deem appealing. Unfortunately, when anyone operates in a medium other than the truth, it eventually gets uncovered. Let me shed some light on a few areas I try to hide that I inherently find embarrassing. I want to be a princess. Not to be spoiled or have earthly riches, but because a princess is doted on and adored. These are traits that every woman I have talked to wants as well. You see, adoration is a desire of the heart. But desiring adoration is seen as needy. A princess never longed to be one, she was born that way. People don't long for what they have always had. I digress. My point is, that embarrassment causes me to feel as though I cannot shed light on desires that society deems unappealing. Ironically, any unappealing feature said in strength and confidence is less unappealing. People that have strength in who they are draw others to want to be like them. The main reason for this is most, if not all, humans are searching and when one appears to have found themselves, the rest want the secret.
And you can have the secret everyone else desires. To wear confidence is to arrive at what others desire. If you know anything about Jennifer Lawrence, she is a perfect example of this. She tripped up the steps at the Oscars. And repeated it the next year on the red carpet. Did she miss a beat? No. She was able to joke about it in an interview shortly after. And everyone loves her for it. That is a picture of not being controlled by embarrassment. So get out, be yourself, and don't feel ashamed.
I love it when people handle embarrassment with grace and humor.
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