“In a mirror is where we find a reflection of our appearances, but in a heart is where we find a reflection of our soul.”
Linda Armstrong
Beyond the Surface: The Mirror and the Soul
The mirror never lies, but it only tells part of the story. It reflects what we look like, not who we are. The deeper truths—the state of our heart, the essence of our soul—are found elsewhere. They show up in the honesty of a trusted friend, the wisdom of a mentor, or the raw self-awareness that emerges in quiet moments of reflection.
The real question is: Do we have the courage to see it? Facing the reflection of our soul can be uncomfortable, even unsettling, but growth begins in that discomfort.
The Courage to Reflect
Think about the people in your life who serve as mirrors for your soul. Are they the kind of people who challenge you with love and reflect back your strengths and your blind spots? Brené Brown, in The Gifts of Imperfection, reminds us that vulnerability is a pathway to connection. Real growth happens when we allow others to hold up a mirror that reveals what’s working and what isn’t.
This isn’t about self-criticism; it’s about self-awareness. Leadership requires the humility to admit there’s always room for improvement and the resolve to act on that awareness.
Who Reflects Your Soul?
So, who do you turn to for reflection? And just as importantly, are you open to what they might show you? Leadership starts with self-leadership, and self-leadership begins with a willingness to see the truth.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a moment to reach out to someone whose insights you trust. Ask them for their honest reflection—not just of who you are today, but who you’re becoming. And be prepared to sit with their response. Growth begins there.
