blessed are the cracks

crack_tile_400.jpg
cracked tile, Chinatown, Canon EOS

Whenever I go to my friend Susan’s house, I see a quote that says, “Blessed are the cracked, for they let the light in.”

I think it’s true. The most vulnerable parts of ourselves, the places where we are the most tender, afraid, cracked, broken and messy, are the parts that make us the most human and endear us to one another.

Cracks.

A friend and I were chatting about aging today, how in our thirties we are seeing subtle signs, not recognizing ourself in pictures anymore, feeling puffy and lacking symmetry, chipping teeth and considering makeup for the first time since junior high school.

We know this is wrong, completely unevolved and downright vain. We both believe wholeheartedly in loving ourselves every step of the way. In theory. We love the cracks in others but have a hard time extending the same kindness to ourselves.

And yet, when I’m out taking photos, I effortlessly find beauty in those hidden, messy, discarded places.

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram Follow on Twitter Follow on Pinterest

Hi, I’m Andrea

On this blog you’ll be learning with me how to use our voices, share our creative superpowers and live life in full color.

As an artist, photographer, life coach + mentor, I’m redefining what it means to be a SUPERHERO — ‘cause in my world, it’s got nothing to do with capes, spandex or sidekicks and everything to do with tenderness, intuition & baby steps of bravery.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME >

7 Comments

  1. chrissy

    yes…..how easy it is for most women to love the cracks in others, to find the gorgeousness in others’ imperfections, quirks, cracks, and how hard it is to give ourselves the same generousity, the same tender care. i am trying to see myself as a loved one would…
    great post!

  2. Bianca

    Ohhh – so true! Really enjoy your post today!
    Can’t believe I did not run into this blog before!
    BBB

  3. Julia

    Oh Andrea, what you say is so true for many of us. I’ve learned to love the imperfections in life…even my own. I never would have said that in my 20’s, or maybe not even in my 30’s, but turning 40 recently has been such an amazing revelation for me. I can honestly say that when I see the “cracks”,or wrinkles, and tell tale signs of aging, I don’t freak out at all. I have lived, and earned and experienced all those “outward” signs that make me…ME! I love to look at faces with all the character that life has given them. My dear friend Monica, recently said to me, We are SOOOO…out of “babeland.” Yes we are, and I definitely am… But I wouldn’t what to go back there, EVER!! I am blessed with a strong, healthy body, an inquiring mind, a wide smile, talented hands, and a good heart. These are all I need. I still do get compliments on my looks, but I’d like to think that my so called “Good looks” comes from the inner light shining through. As long as we have our passion for life, we will always have beauty.

  4. Mandy

    Ah, what a wonderful post! These are wonderful things to be reminded of. Your blog is generous and beautiful. 🙂

  5. Katherine

    oh wow . . . so interesting to read your post . . . to read you take on it . . . I’ve been noticing lately, too, the signs of aging, and how my youth, the parts of me I considered beautiful, I’d always somehow considered as permanent, even though my logical mind *knew* they weren’t permanent, such a shock to see irrefutable proof of how absolutely impermanent they actually are . . .

  6. jenn

    this entry is great. it’s so interesting to me that we not only pay a fortune, but go out and search for old furniture, music, art, automobiles yet when dealing with the human body anything over 30 is now considered too old! how crazy! it’s so wonderful to see women celebrating their bodies and their ages just the way they are. we need more of it.

  7. paisley

    i feel very cracked tonight …

Ready for your next creative adventure?

Download the Mondo Beyondo dream generator!

Latest from the blog

CSP #82: We Should Get Together with Kat Vellos

CSP #82: We Should Get Together with Kat Vellos

Listen in to this great conversation about adult friendship with expert Kat Vellos! Kat Vellos is a trusted expert on the power of cultivating meaningful friendships. She’s a speaker and author of the book, We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better...

read more
Finding my joy again.

Finding my joy again.

“Well, there will be no shortage of men on horses coming your way this year!” This is what the tarot reader told me in Mexico, under the bougainvillea in the pretty courtyard at the hotel in San Miguel. There were cards spread out on the table, many of them knights....

read more

self guided e-courses
INSTANT & FOREVER ACCESS

Choosing Ease

30 days of ease, joy and cultivating wonder

I believe that when I’m creating from a place of ease and buoyancy I am actually in flow – in alignment with myself and the Universe.

Capture the Magic

Rock your camera-phone - and discover that beauty and joy are everywhere.

The very best camera is the one that’s with you! I’ll show you how to get on your own path of joy and delight while learning photography skills along the way.

mondo beyondo

What does your heart truly want in 2020? 

What if you could name your dreams and desires for 2020 and create a plan to make them reality?

VIEW MORE COURSES

Get your FREE guide to experiencing more wonder + joy!

Hop on my mailing list to get weekly-ish inspiration, updates and your free downloadable PDF: 9 ways to experience more wonder right now. I'm so glad you're here!

You have Successfully Subscribed!