When I first looked at these pictures, I critically examined each one of my self-proclaimed flaws – my prominent nose, a double chin, thighs I wish were slimmer, a flattened top knot. Â It got me thinking about the other things I don’t care for about myself – the gray hair that’s slowly conquering my head, a belly that’s the first to gain any weight, sinuses that seem to go haywire with the slightest change in weather. Â This also was a day when I wasn’t feeling so hot, was feeling run down, and quite honestly didn’t give a second thought into how my outfit looked, but how it felt. Â (It felt cold, in case you were wondering. Â I was steadfastly in denial that it was April and the weather still required a winter jacket that I stubbornly refused to wear).
But after watching this video (several times, and tearing up at the end of each viewing), I revisited these pictures with a much needed different perspective. Â And while my insecurities remained, I saw the elements that give me confidence more sharply – my distinguished nose (it’s a love hate thing), my warm smile, the natural shape and curve of my eyebrows, calves I loved with the same intensity as the hatred to my thighs. Â These pictures may not be those showcasing the latest trends, or in the most flattering of angles.
But they show me – a little goofy, disdainful of wearing her hair down with the propensity to perch on railings and make scarily-authentic monkey noises.
Forget the negative – tell me ONE of your favorite physical attributes and favorite personality attributes about yourself. Â And watch the video and let me know what you think – it forced me to reassess my whole self-perception. Â For every negative thought I have about myself, I try to counter it with a positive one – and it’s helped.
Photography by Lydia Hudgen
