I was cleaning a bathroom mirror the other day and encountered some very negative reflections.
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Mainly about how I was cleaning the mirror.
From those who have strong opinions about the subject.
And I'm not just referring to myself.
Because contrary to assertions, I do have strong opinions about cleaning mirrors.
And they usually centre around moving forward.
While vehemently alleging the mirror is clean.
As the streaks on the mirror that I thought were gone magically reappear.
Mirrors have a history of messing with your mind like this dating back to at least Snow White.
But I've learned through hard experience that there are times when you should express this opinion that the mirror is clean.
And other times when you should accept this opinion is just not true.
Usually when presented with evidence.
From someone who is pointing at the streaks.
Even though this so-called 'evidence' - proof, fact, call it what you want - may be undermining your cognition.
Gaslighting your reality.
Leading you to question everything you previously believed about the mirror.
And suggesting that under the circumstances, the only reasonable thing to do is walk away.
But you tried that and it didn't fly.
Mainly because "what is" and "what may be" had not yet aligned on the bathroom mirror.
And indeed, mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?
Actually, don't answer that.
All those streaks, drips and blurs seemed to be suggesting it wasn't you.
Particularly when you stare at them a second or third time, having thought you'd god rid of them the first.
The weird thing is that in trying to clean a mirror, you can often make it worse.
Much like struggling in quicksand, or attempting to express those opinions mentioned earlier.
Some might say that what we get here is a failure to communicate. Convincingly.
And it can be hard when what you're putting forward is unbelievable, even though you want to believe it.
Bathrooms can bring on existential crises like this.
Where naked truths are revealed.
But you have to stick to the process.
And throwing a rock at the mirror is not part of it, no matter how tempting.
Repeated, methodical, some might say futile, wiping and squeegeeing are more constructive ways to remove imperfections.
At least from what's on the mirror. Not necessarily what's emoting back.
No amount of Mr Sheen will fix that until you apply it to your attitude.
Once that happens, things usually get a little clearer with the cleaning.
And in due time, with effort and application, hopefully the mirror will reflect that.
