I just left a comment on another blogger's site - www.theselfimprovementblog.com - about self-esteem, and it reminded me of the amazing singer,Susan Boyle.  She exploded onto the scene in 2009 when she sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables on the Britain's Got Talent show. She was an overnight sensation because of her beautiful singing voice. What seemed to really endear her to the rest of the world, though, was her rather plain physical appearance, which seemed such a contrast to that marvelous voice.  Everyone was shocked that such a thing of beauty could come out of that rather plain package.

And then I wondered, who were the people who were so moved by her? Everyone was! Not just the majority of us "plain janes" who could readily identify with Ms. Boyle's underdog status.  Even "the beautiful people" among us, the rich, high status physically gorgeous celebrities among us wept with appreciation for this shy, scared, and sweetly meek middle-aged lady. Who did they see when they looked at Susan? Who did they "connect" with?

I believe that there is a Susan Boyle in each of us, even "the beautiful people" of the world. Yes, even those powerful "movers and shakers" (if you'll excuse the expression!), those captains of industry, those famous movie stars, the runway models and even the high school cheerleaders - all have a place inside them that is scared, that is afraid of rejection, that just wants to be liked and to belong somewhere. Susan Boyle mirrored that place in all of us and that's why we love her. We cheer her on and it gives us hope that maybe we can be seen and appreciated for who we are deep down inside. That little child in us, that part of us that is insecure, "unattractive," and lonely that just wants to be loved and reassured. 

So, maybe stop for a moment and go inside and give that little one a hug and some reassurance that you are fine and that you are lovable- just the way you are. Homework Assignment: Give yourself a hug. Then, go find some runway models and hug them!