The Outside Layer of the Soul

This unedited poem was written by an extremely talented and smart 11 year old, Lanie Breiten.

The Outside Layer of the Soul

I see my eyes through my own eyes
That’s me right in front of me
I smile
I see me smile

A mirror shows you what you look like
Only on the outside though
All the mirror does is show me the outside layer of my soul
I think my soul has flaws
My soul is also beautiful

A mirror can make us notice our mistakes on the outside layer of my soul
I have many flaws on the outside short eyelashes

Scrapes
Cuts
This list could go on forever
I surely am no model
I’m nowhere near flawless

A mirror can make you focus on the outside layer of our soul
Don’t focus on the outside
Because outside means nothing

The inside does
All day I could focus on looking great on the outside and never get there
On the outside I am not perfect
I will never be perfect on the outside
Not even close
I could spend forever changing my outside layer
I don’t
I try
I try very hard to be great on the inside face it
We will never be perfect on the outside behind all the makeup
A face is there
And that face is not perfect

But there is a soul that means everything
Don’t look in the mirror to become better look inside your soul
See how you can be a better person

Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement. We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.

1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.

In my life I have accepted that not everything special, unique, and worth wild will never come easy. Meanwhile, I’m working on accepting disappointment.

2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?

I have learned to appreciate my self-confidence. I am working on appreciating my self-respect.

3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.

One of my most rewarding achievements was when I found out I had been published in a magazine that tons of people read. I dream to grow up and change the world…and to help others succeed.

4. Of course, we all have imperfections, or so we think. In truth, we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? Likewise, what imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?

I am a very quirky person, and I like being quirky because it builds up my identity. Some of my imperfections and quirks are that I can often be very uptight about very little things. I also dance really funny and enjoy making weird faces all the time.

5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to appreciate and express all the positive traits that make you…well…YOU! In fact, sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (We assure you!) Therefore, Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”

I love my kindness.

This unedited poem was written by an extremely talented and smart 11 year old, Lanie Breiten.