The end of the Alaska trip was Vancouver and British Columbia. While in Canada we made a stop in Butchart Gardens. The setting was beautiful, with dramatic botanical examples and historical trivia. This image reminds me of a funhouse mirror. While they were funny, I only liked the ones that (sort of) matched my image of myself. The others were TOO distorted and made me uncomfortable. "What if that's what I really look like?" I knew it was a matter of the shape of the mirror, yet they are all just reflections. The real ME might be perceived by others in an unflattering light or as a distortion. What control do I have over the impressions of others? My physical self is the visible part. My attitude, words, gestures, and facial expressions are far more changeable and meaningful. Those are the ways I make people feel important, loved, and respected. Catching myself in the reflection was a silent version of me; One that has the power to hurt or offend by an inadvertent smirk, misunderstood comment, or dismissive turn of the head. My personal promise has become being mindful of my response and my presence.