I did a big thing.
I posted a new banner pic on my Facebook page. It’s a picture of me.
This is big, because for me it was hard.
I don't normally love me in photos.
This particular picture was taken over the summer in NYC, July 2016, when I was on the BARE retreat. Professional pics were part of the package.
We had a top-notch crew pampering us for the photo shoot. My hair was styled beautifully, my makeup looked incredible, our photographer is amazing.... I felt like a star!!
And then I saw the pics.
I've been reluctant to share any of them. I thought they were amazing, except for me being in them.
The moment I saw them my inner critic showed up, and the thoughts started to take over.
Famous tunes included “my face looks so fat”, “my arms are too chunky”, “my stomach is too flabby”, “You can’t show these to anyone”.
I tried to stop the negative talk, but my inner mean girl had full control.
As a result, I haven't shared these pics with anyone......until now.
And then it hit me. I’ve been hiding for far too long. I've been listening to my inner mean girl, and it's time to shut her down.
Only now, 4 months after being introduced to the BARE program, and continuously doing my own internal work, can I share these pictures. I am happy to share these pictures.
I look at these pictures today and I see strength, beauty, and resilience.
So, what changed?
I learned how to turn around the negative thoughts, and find evidence to support the new thoughts. I figured out how to put my inner critic on the bench. I added more pleasure to my day, and sent my inner mean girl for a long vacation (she still tries to come back…we’re working on it).
I started to see a different image reflecting back at me, because I feel different about me.
I may not be at my natural weight today, but I am well on my way to freedom.
I am experiencing shifts in my thinking that far out weigh a number on a scale, any measurements, or jean size. I am dropping the dead weight, that which no longer serves me.
I like what I see.
I see me.
This got me thinking….
How many times have you looked at a picture of yourself and cringed?
How many times have you tried to opt out of the picture, or volunteered to take the picture so you wouldn't have to be in it?
Why? What were you thinking? What did you tell yourself? What is it about you that you hate to see in pictures?
Here's what has finally sunk in 4 months after having these pictures taken.....
I am way too hard on myself, and maybe you are too.
I have wasted a lot of time worrying about how I look in a photo, when in reality nobody cares. That may sound harsh, but it's true. I'm the only one who is worried.
I could have spent that time doing so many more meaningful things.
It almost feels ridiculous, but I’m not going to beat myself up.
I notice it, I acknowledge it, I forgive myself, and I move on.
How about you?
What are you waiting for?
Love,
Amy
PS. Would you like to learn more about the BARE program and how you can learn to love the skin you're in now? Click here to schedule your FREE discovery call today. You're so worth it.