The Radish Club

September 2, 2014

What is?

Introducing The Radish Club, by Colleen Houck.

(Article originally published in 2010)

Today I wanted to talk about radishes. Some of the critics of my books think Kelsey is suffering from a low self-esteem problem. First of all, I believe 98% of girls suffer from self-esteem issues at one time or another in their lives. I think its a normal problem. But that’s not what I want to talk about.

I worked on a salad bar for several years during my young adult years. I made seafood salad, chopped cases of fruit, made spinach, bacon, and red onion salad, waldorf, as well as fancy cheesecakes and puddings. One thing I noticed when I took down the containers at the end of the night was not only that people seem to have a problem with spilling chopped eggs into the dressings, but that, inevitably, there was always a full container of radishes. Nobody ate them. Does this mean the radish suffers from a self-esteem problem as it sits on the back shelf of the salad bar?

Without the radish we wouldn’t have wasabi. The greeks loved them so much that several of their statues feature gold carved radishes. They’re pretty. They can be carved in a variety of beautiful garnishes. But still they’re not fluffly or sweet like cheesecakes, you might point out.

I had to speak at a church conference recently and my topic was happiness. I shared this radish analogy and said that not all of us were born beautiful or rich. Many of us didn’t try out for cheerleader or have large groups of friends. I grew up a radish. I sat in the back of all my classes and said and contributed nothing. Instead of speaking my mind, I sat there thinking of brilliant sarcastic comments that only I would appreciate.

Today I look back on my awkward teen years and know that it helped mold me into who I am today. I’m more sensitive when I see others who are left out and extend a hand in friendship. I spent my time reading books and I believe I’m the better for it. Like the radish, I’ve developed a firm exterior. I’m no pudding or fluffy cheesecake that breaks apart at the slightest jostle. When I get dropped over the side of my container, it’s easy to scoop me up and put me back in my proper place, no harm done.

I guess my point is I am proud that I’m a radish. I’m overweight, my hair is mouse brown with gray roots when I don’t color. Without makeup, my face has red splotches and I can’t have my own children. I wish my house was cleaner. I wish I was more organized. But, I’m a good person. I try my best to be a good wife. I’m a fantastic aunt and I have many talents. I’m proud of who I was and who I’ve become. Knowing yourself–your strengths and weaknesses doesn’t mean you have a low self-esteem. It means you’re comfortable in your own skin and you are at the jumping off point for becoming someone exceptional.

After my radish speech, several women approached me and said, “I’m a radish too. We should start a club.” I’m glad to know Kelsey and I are in good company.

Colleen

In my life there is one lesson that I’ve learned that speaks louder than most. It is this, that the more I begin to see, the less I truly understand. The world, the universe, the soul has so much depth that it is impossible for a person like me to ever unlock every mystery to that thing. I learn more each and every day that you can’t measure the quality of a person by their appearance or as some say, “judge a book by its cover.” My definition of beauty has changed over the years. More and more I see beauty in things the world dismisses without a second glance.

Without a doubt, Colleen is one of the rare beauties I’m lucky to know. Although she doesn’t see it, she is quite beautiful. She loves her family fiercely, she serves her neighbors and shows compassion continuously. She is generous and kind, thoughtful and caring. She has a light about her that is undeniable. I love watching her interact with people because I see them react to her in such a positive way.

I’ve been fortunate to witness on occasion a person’s perception of her change as they get to know her. People are drawn to her and its no wonder that it is because of her true beauty and strength of character. Colleen’s bright light reaches her beautiful brown eyes and warm smile. She’s smart and funny and a great story teller (as you already know). She’s my Belle of a sister. I love her because she is such an example of who I want to be and is my truest friend.

This quote makes me think of her,

“Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well”. ~ Anonymous

And I believe these words are words of wisdom to live by,

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty of a woman resides in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years. ” ~ Audrey Hepburn

Take a moment today to tell yourself that you are beautiful, and do it each and every day. Because you are, yes you, an amazingly unique, odd and imperfect, perfectly beautiful you!

~Till next time,

Linda Louise Lotti

– See more at: http://www.tigerscursebook.com/blog/post-19/#sthash.62bOTu8V.dpuf

This entry was posted in Articles, Beauty, The Modern Ink Society.

6 Responses to The Radish Club

Colleen Houck

Colleen's blog

The Radish Club

September 2, 2014

What is?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Categories

Archive

Author Bio

Linda