Feeling inferior

I'm reminded of this last Christmas. When I was visiting my brother/sis-in- law and their adorable family of 4 (one set of twins--and all kids under 6yrs) Chrismas before last -- I was in floor playing with the 2yr old boy twin when he grabbed at my hair (wig) and it started slipping over my eyes. I could just
hear everyone holding their breath watching how I would react. 

I immediately heard my soul whisper the words attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt (and others) " No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"  So I made the quick decision to , with one hand straighten my wig/ the other wrap around the lad and give him a laughing hug and then just get up where he couldn't get to me.

I said nothing to the adults. Thank heavens I had just told them the day before that I was wearing a wig because I had a problem with TTM. My brother used to tease me about pulling my hair, and I thought it was time for him to know how serious and how real a problem it had become. They took it as everyone else did " Ah, I didn't know, you look so good, that's too bad" then dropped it. I did offer to help them with resources if it turns out any of the children develop it.

BUT, then this last Christmas, the lad comes up to me and says " I'm going to pull Aunti's wig off" and I just said, " No, that would make Aunti sad--you won't do that". Later his 7yr old sister asked me if I wore a wig/ but not to tell her Mom I asked. Apparently, her Mom, my sis-in-law had told them(the children) that Aunti wore a wig and they were to be careful not to pull it off. I assured my niece that I did wear a wig, and it was ok if she asked me about it. and it was nice of her mom to be considerate of me. But that there was no need for secrecy.

Then I went to where the family was chatting and hugged my sis-in-law, told her what her daughter had asked and thanked her, and gave everyone permission to talk about it openly if they chose (which they didn't). I just told them lovingly that our family has enough family secrets without me adding to them.
None are ever healthy.

And all this because Eleanor Roosevelt once said " No one can make you feel
inferior without your consent."

It's taken me many years to learn.

I think beauty must be the same. We can't give anyone permission to take our beauty away from us.

Love to you all
Way