#NaBloPoMo
“Laughter is the best medicine” – this adage comes to my mind as I contemplate on this card today. Who doesnt like to laugh or emjoy a good joke? A sense of humour is what we desire the most in our life partners and friends. For me Laughter was my worst enemy during my childhood. Its not that I was afraid to laugh or stifled into not laughing; rather I was embaressed to show my laughter.
As a child I used to suck my thumb while falling asleep. This habit soon started to affect my teeth; when I lost my baby teeth and new ones came in, the alignment got ruined. I ended up with awkwardly projected top front teeth.
Stepping into my teens, I was beginning to be aware of my looks and grew extremely self-conscious of my smile.
I started putting my hand in front of mouth to hide my bad teeth. Soon smiling and laughing were embarrassingly painful and I began to withdraw from being in company of people. So of course all of this resulted in a very low self-esteem.
I would hear friends n relatives comment on my looks and bemoan my matrimonial worth (or rather unworthiness) largely due to my teeth (weight, dark colour were already on the plate).
My parents decided to use corrective procedures for straightening my teeth. Thus began the torturous process of long waits in the dentist office for fixing dental braces on my teeth. To cut a long story short, I was now conscious of how ugly the food particles looked when caught in the metal bits on my teeth; I hated to open my mouth and was forever in front of a mirror to make sure they were clean.
So you can say the laughter disappeared out of my life as I was too scared and embarrassed to show my ugly teeth.
Time went by (four years), I was 18 and it was the first wedding in the family in my generation. I was adamant about not having the braces and refused to attend the wedding with them. The dentist was reluctant to remove them (blood/money sucking leech that he was) but I preservered.
What a relief to have them off! I finally could see my teeth and had no cuts inside of my mouth and could eat things without worrying about damaging the metal hooks.
And smiling – that took some time but it helped when perfect strangers started telling me I have such a an enigmatic smile.
I went from hiding my smile to laughing openly now. And I did laugh!
To date I am told by men (and women) that my smile is my best feature; it’s what attracts people to me. Sometimes, just sometimes, I go back to that little girl who hid behind her hand or a book while wanting to laugh out loud. Then the moment passes and I am back to doing it.
And yes I am making up for all the lost time and laugh out more often than not.
November 2016 is my month to participate in the NaBloPoMo with Blogher
I am also participating in Blogbuddy 3.0 with Blogchatter and my team is called BlogBusters
Such a powerful post and yes, never ever stop laughing due to the term called “People.” More power to you 🙂
Thanks so much Ashwini – need all the power 😉
ThanK you for sharing your story.The world is cruel when it comes to how a woman looks and behaves. It’s good that you are practicing laughing more to make up for lost time.God bless
Thanks so much Amz- yes we are so obsessed with the outwardly appearances all the time. Trying to look within and stay grounded. Cheers
I hope you have now laughing mojo back. Keep smiling. 🙂
Laughing mojo is back for good Rohan; it keeps me alive and kicking! 😉
People will always be people and they would be so till their time. lovely post Shalz, Just keep smiling people can think whatever they want to.
Thanks so much Menaka; i can feel you feel for my pain… Thanks so much!!
As you said, it was the balance. The beauty behind the braces and what brought your self-esteem back. Lovely inspiring story.
Thanks so much Parul -this is so supportive of you. Cheers
Aww.. that’s so sad. I have been told that my smile is my best feature. And just keep smiling, Shalzy. Ask the world to go to hell! 🙂
Yes your smile is just beautiful- it lights up your eyes with so much warmth. Keep smiling my gorgeous woman! 🙂
This is such a touching post Shalz. Our society is very happy to install body issues in us. And may you hide that. Laugh out loud and smile more.
I tend to be with people or call people who could make me smile or laugh with less efforts when I am in a bad mood. Or a stand up comedian.
My teeth is fine but so that my cheeks arent into focus much I smile mildly and my bestie complains about it a lot. I am not sure when I will ever flash my teeth and smile like her.
Hey again – you are a doll! Thanks so much for the love Ramya. I am trying to laugh out aloud more often than not. Dont know what you are complaining about; you have such a sweet face. Lets connect on our long pending call babes. Hope mom is doing better. Hugs and love