What The Rearview Mirror Shows You
What The Rearview Mirror Shows You
There’s a strange paradox that plays out in the minds of so many of us: we want to feel accepted, understood, and respected—but we often hand that responsibility over to everyone except ourselves. Let’s explore the idea of self-acceptance and self- image.
Most people spend a lot of energy wondering how they’re perceived. “Do they like me? Do I seem smart enough? Am I coming across as confident—or worse, arrogant?” Evidently, the world forms its opinion of us based largely on the opinion we hold of ourselves.
What Image Am I Showing People In My Rearview Mirror?
When you spend your day silently criticizing yourself, downplaying your gifts, or waiting for others to validate your worth, that energy is felt—even if never spoken. The same is true when you puff yourself up with a false sense of superiority to mask feeling small inside. Arrogance is often mistaken for confidence, but people can feel the difference.
As bus drivers—and this applies to all of us in one way or another—we are constantly being observed: by passengers, by supervisors, by the community. It can feel like we’re on stage, all day. And when that pressure piles up, it’s easy to swing too far in one direction: trying to please everyone, or retreating into cynicism and contempt.
Here’s where the shift happens:
Ask yourself, how do I speak about my work? My peers? My daily life? If the words carry stress, sarcasm, or shame, they’ll reflect that back to you in the world around you. If they carry pride, ownership, and quiet strength, you’ll feel that reflected too.
Remember: no one else drives your bus. Not literally, and not in your life.
So today, take a moment to glance in your own rearview mirror. Not to relive the past, but to check how far you’ve come—and then focus forward. For me, self-acceptance and self image mean the following: Self-acceptance doesn’t mean you’re perfect. It means you’ve decided you’re worthy, without needing anyone else’s approval to prove it. Positive self image means I see a happy, healthy, intelligent person in the mirror.
Let’s Get Started!
