Seeing me

[Emma Beth]

Earlier today, I was looking at some of my most recent selfies.

Now, just me taking selfies is a huge important step.

That aside, I noticed something that brought tears to my eyes.

I saw ME so clearly for the first time it made me so happy it brought some tears to my eyes. Not the me that I had seen in the mirror for most of my life. But the me I had been hiding from most of my life.

I’m amazed at how much of a boost to my self esteem that turned out to be.

Deep down it shows me something wonderful. It shows me that I am definitely on the right track to taking proper care of myself.

This reaffirming moment does something else for me. It helps me to “Own it” or more precisely to relax into all this.

[Rachael Leigh]

Emma I know what you mean I’m hard on myself at times when I look and then I realize but it’s ok I know the real me is in
that picture.
Once you get to that point you begin to have so much more confidence
Hugs Rachael

[Rianna Humble]

I'm so glad you can see the real you so clearly!

After all this time, I still hate selfies so it's wonderful that you can take them and recognise who is really there

[Pat]

I'm so happy for you! That "shock of recognition" is a good guide that you're moving in the right direction.

[Gizmo, Debbie]

I think most of us are hard on ourselves? Never totally happy with our reflection, at least to start with anyway.

It sure is nice when you finally see yourself. So nice.

Nice to hear you haev managed to do that.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

something very similar happened to me..

i can attest to you that the feeling you have is real. It matters. You matter.

It was a big deal to me... I was really moved by seeing a picture of me and I had this internal registration of "female" in my mind...without really thinking about it... i remember the picture and the moment still today

[Emma Beth]

The really nice thing about that particular Selfie.

The day I took it, I had relaxed into myself. I had no worries about male or female perceptions of me. I didn't worry about no one else and what they might think. It didn't matter what anyone else thought, and I was happy that day. Everything seemed to just fell nicely into it's proper place.

[DMichele]

Emma,

This is an astute observation.

...But the me I had been hiding from most of my life.

Your sharing caused me to re-look at my last selfie, and I think I can so relate to your experience and the increased self-esteem.

[Emma Beth]

Thank you everyone.

I'm truly amazed at how I'm beginning to see myself every day. I can finally look into the mirror and actually see a human being and not the monster I felt like.

Now I just need to get past the self image and body issues most Women face and take even better care of myself.

Michele, it's so nice to finally get to this point and no longer be averse to looking at myself and feel like I need to avoid all cameras and only look into the mirror when I can't avoid it.

Now I just have to be careful to avoid becoming Narcissistic and keep my vanity in check.