The last time I ate at Burger King was probably over a decade ago.
I am not an advocate of fast food, but on occasion, due to time restraints I might drive through Chick-fil-A, to get one of their grilled chicken dishes, and that’s it!
But tonight was different. I tried something new and different, thanks to my friend Lexi.
Lexi is a 13-year-old beautiful young woman, inside and out. I was so happy to spend time with her today. See, I don’t have a daughter. As a mother of two sons, I am always thrilled when my friends’ daughters want to hang out with me. When I met Lexi, it was love at first sight! Her personality lights up a room. She’s bubbly, smart, insightful and just fun to be around. She has big dreams and a VERY bright future ahead of her.
As we were on our way home from our evening of fun we were starving. And I mean starving — you know that kind of hungry, the kind when you think you won’t make it one more minute without food! So I said, “Let’s go to Chick-fil-A.” But Lexi realized Burger King was closer.
She suggested we pull into Burger King since it was right there. We went through the drive through and shared chicken fries and some other food, that I will admit was actually pretty good. As we were chowing down on our chicken fries, we continued to talk about our day. Lexi said something I will never forget. She said: “I’m not pretty like the other girls!”
Here’s a young women that is beautiful inside and out, and she can’t see it. She can’t feel it or believe it.
Spending time with Lexi, getting our nails done together, talking and laughing while enjoying Burger King, reminded me of when I was young. I would walk to the Burger King near my house in Northeast Philly. And guess what? I didn’t think I was pretty either. We are all conditioned to compare ourselves to others in a way that we never measure up.
My trip to Burger King was just another reminder of what we all need to do: stop comparing ourselves to other people and start embracing ourselves. Find out who we are and what makes us special.
I’m writing this blog to thank Lexi for my special time with her and for her showing me that sometimes you have to change it up and try something new. She added sparkle in my day. My blog is dedicated to all the Lexi’s in the world who need to look inward and see who they are. Who need to look in a mirror and say: I am Lexi and I am beautiful because there is no one like me. I’m special because my sparkle is a gift to all who know me.
Lexi, you are a gift! One day, you will know it, see it and believe it.
My trip to Burger King was a reminder of where I was, where I have been, and now, how it’s my turn to help young women see who they are so they can see their beauty is right there right in front of them staring back at them in the mirror.
Lexi, Burger King was right there and so is your beauty! Just look inward!
For more inspiration and motivation gearing you toward a life of self-love and self-acceptance, please check out my book: LIFE HAPPENS: BOUNCE BACK!
Lisa, such a beautiful story. I, too, feel that our young people have so much to offer us (as “old” people). And, as you so eloquently stated “Lexi, you are a gift!” We all need to inspire and appreciate one another and need to know that “Life Happens:Bounce Back!”
Love this Lisa. I was recently thinking the same thing about the young kids growing up the pressure they face from being like their peers. Great post with perfect timing.
Thank you for your comment.