Damaged Goods

Damaged Goods Damaged goods describe both the external and internal features. After all, external damaged goods refer to those features because the internal features are still whole, functional, useful… Hey, many people delight in getting such a great deal. It works on the inside and that's what counts and is relevant. Who cares about a ding, wrinkle, crinkle, buckle, etc? It's cosmetic. So far, these references are about things. Misfit toys. When that phrase describes our internal features, it makes me cringe inside… it sets off a cycle of so much doubt and fear…morphing into self-loathing… Words can be razor sharp and cut deeply, most of the time onlookers can see the damage. They can choose to help, ignore, or cut some more. What about the slow agonizing death from a thousand shallow cuts? The recipient of those below the surface cuts, often ignored, falsely justified, are likely to segue into self-inflicted injuries. The internal bleeding are unnoticed or invisible to onlookers, and sometimes by the recipient's self-denial. Far too many succumb to the external and self-inflicted internal cuts and scrutiny. What can the external judgmental people do? For God's sake, stop judging others. Look in the damn mirror, if you're going to judge others, first start with yourself. What can the internal judgmental people do? Look in the mirror and truly see the wonderful person that you are. Everyone has flaws, it's what makes us human. We're not defined by our past mistakes and choices. Our lives are defined by the choices we make now based on our lessons learned and our desire for change. Above all, bestow yourself with compassion. It's rare for a person with this level of pain, and maybe shame, to dole it out onto others. No, they'll give grace and compassion to others in the same circumstance, and yet deny them for themselves. In my pipedream, I envision a world void of external and internal judgement, a world where the phrase damaged goods is banned and forgotten. First, I must look in the mirror... and recognize what I own... and need to change Sherry Barton February 22, 2025