Rachel was stuck in traffic, the unwanted consequence of a world returning to normal. On the bright side, it was Friday afternoon and she didn’t have to think about work for the next 24 hrs.
It had been a frustrating week for Rachel as she’d worked long days preparing her presentation for grant funding. Next year’s budget was reliant on securing the grant, and the pressure had been on her.
Fortunately, her husband James had been supportive, taking care of their three kids and making dinner every evening. For the last four weeks, Rachel’s routine had been emotionally draining. She had left early and arrived home late, barely time to kiss the kids goodnight before bedtime. But as always, James was her rock.
As Rachel looked in the rear view mirror, she got a glimpse of her ruffled hair and wrinkly clothes, and thought she looked frumpy. With her busy schedule over the last few weeks, Rachel had not been able to pay as much attention to her appearance as wanted. Everytime she looked in the mirror, her self-esteem fell farther and she only saw flaws, no matter how many times James told her she was beautiful.