blessed0989's Journal, 05 December 2018

Are* 

We were supposed to have a family portrait done more than 20 years ago as part of my senior portrait package, and never did. My mother has now been gone 10 years and I wish we had that portrait. Life lesson: take the portrait.  

Try keto 

Self image is a difficult thing to struggle with. We are our own worst enemy. I still have moments when feel huge despite the 111 lbs. lost and I still go into the plus size dept. when I need clothes. I've had to trust my husband's opinion more than my own because I recognize that I have an unfavorable bias where my appearance is concerned. He thinks I'm "hot" and I think I look a bit disgusting, but I'm not doing this for looks, I'm doing it for health and I FEEL great. What I think I look like is not as important as how my husband looks at me. :D  

Take the picture. Try to look at yourself through another person's eyes instead of focusing on what you perceive are flaws. They likely are not! I look at pictures of myself that at the time I thought were unflattering but today I find them quite lovely. Try not to angst over it -- it really is a small thing in a big ship! (Not as important in the big picture) 

I struggle with this, too. My best friend's daughter just got married and my friends wanted pictures of all of us together and I did it and I even was able to be ok with them posting them on Facebook, which is pretty big for me. I don't even know why. I see pictures of other people who are very big and or not very attractive, and they're smiling and look happy and share their pictures all the time. My first thought is they look happy and confident. I don't think about their weight or that they're not gorgeous. I just wish I could apply that to myself.  

If you are struggling with self image and self esteem issues, loosing weight will help, but that is not where the problem is. Some steps need to be taken to change the mirror you see yourself in. That is hard and it isn’t something you can’t get from other people. You ladies are both doing well and and I wish you could see yourselves through our eyes. You would smile. 

Thank you all so much for these comments. They are so true. If I ever pass away or anyone of my family God forbid I will regret not having more pictures. And I agree I see other people who are much bigger than me and I think they are just beautiful and confident and gorgeous but then I pick apart every flaw of myself in the mirror and especially pictures. I know I see something others don’t and my husband tells me all the time he likes me with some Weight on me and that I’m hot and beautiful I wish I saw what he sees but I know he isn’t lying because it’s obvious in how he treats me. Thank you all I’m glad I’m not alone ! 

Sometimes a new outfit that makes you feel good will help. Also a professional will know how to pose you and what angles to capture. Not because your ugly or need certain angles but because for a great photo to work it requires great angles and poses so you look comfortable and happy. I HATE the idea of pictures of myself. But I suck it up and take them... I always hate them... but then something funny happens... in a few years I am always so happy I took them! But right not away... and sometimes you don’t have to share your photos with people, just get your favorites or ones you hate the least printed for a wall collage. I also like the abstract photos where the dogs or kids are the center of the photo and the couple is kissing in the background slightly blurry... I am all game for photos like that 🤣 and they are a little romantic and sweet... use festive clothing and you have a great New Years card!!!  

Keep in mind that hiding from pictures is only hiding from yourself. The rest of the world sees you day in and day out. 

Thank you mamamc! Yes I love those type of pictures where it isn’t a straight on of my face it’s the side and I’m kissing or looking away ect but I hope to just face my fears and be brave and God willing find a picture of my face .... straight on no hiding, that I love and feel beautiful . I hope !!! 🤞  

Much like the one in my profile pic. I had clip in bangs to hide my big forehead 😂 and had just had my makeup professionally done for my trial wedding makeup. Day to day I can hardly put on eyeliner even lol. Plus I feel like i look slimmer in selfies than in professional shots. So that helped .  

I don’t think you should point out your flaws or pick yourself to pieces... how about pick all the things you do like about your self... Like your toned arms, bright beautiful smile, hair, legs, even your booty... anything and try to bring attention to those with a cute tank, new or favorite lipstick color, if you like your legs wear jeggings and a sweater with boots... things to bring attention to what you already love about yourself... I think you will be surprised with how much you end up loving the photos. I have decided if I lose 20lbs I will hire a professional to take our pics. The last few years our plans were messed up and we had to cancel. Which may be a blessing since I am still far from my body goals!  

Yes I like a lot about my body it’s truly my face I feel insecure about which is hard bc I have a lot of pictures but not many that center around my face. I know I am wonderfully and fearfully made but knowing and feeling are two different things so I’ve asked my friend who does hair and makeup professionally to help get me ready and I hope to finally see a picture of my face that I ❤️. I am on the same boat with you I haven been trying to lose the same ten lbs for two years 😓 I may actually reach my goal after five months of struggling but one vacation and it’s all back to starting over fighting those 10/15 lbs !!  

From the pictures I have seen... I think you have a very beautiful face and have nothing to be insecure about! I hope you enjoy the photo shoot!!!