Body Image
mikesgirl4evr
Posts: 363 Member
One of my friends from my gastric bypass support group posted this on our Facebook page. It's an article about body image and one woman's reaction to a picture of herself that she found on her phone. It really hit home with me and I thought I'd share it with all of you. You can find the article at: http://blog.petflow.com/a-moms-kids-exposed-what-she-really-looks-like-and-her-reaction-is-perfect/
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I have no children to bring me back to reality so I hit delete immediately on the email form the 5k walk photographer.0
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For me, it took a family death with few pictures to realize how foolish I was being about the pictures not being taken. Regardless of how I want to be remembered, my family will see me as I am. Even years from now in their memories, I can't wipe their brains and insert the "me I want to be" pictures in place. It would tarnish their memories. If I want to change how my family and friends remember me, I have to change what is in the mirror. To leave them with no memories, rather than the truthful ones that hurt me, is a far worse crime...
Hugs, Carly
P.S. Patrick - some day you may want to look back at those pictures, as they will represent your progress...not your present... (hugs)0 -
I struggle with this too. But, I'm trying! I took some selfies of my son and I hiking. My hair is sweaty, my cheeks are extremely flushed, I have no make up on, but I'm smiling as big as can be. And, while I would normally have cringed at the image, I posted it to Facebook. It shows a woman who's actually OUT there, working hard and showing it, and having a great time with my son.
Good article. I really like that she was brave enough to post the picture to. I wouldn't have wanted to be left hanging, wondering what did that pic really look like? LOL
And, I agree, Patrick save those pics!
Caroline0 -
I can't be sure because I highly doubt any photos of me in a bathing suit exist past the age of 5, but I *think* that woman and I have very similar bodies (though I'd bet that my bingo wings are bigger!). It's kind of nice to see such an unguarded photo of someone who looks like me. We even have similar swimsuits!
It's sad and funny how we see ourselves so much more negatively than others do. Yesterday I went looking for a dress to wear to my mom's very casual, intimate, outdoor wedding (at which she'll be wearing emerald green) and I sent this photo to a friend (basically my sister -- she's also coming to the wedding) to ask if it was too white:
I felt sweaty and gross (fitting rooms are always so dang hot!), but she said, "Beautiful. Btw - you look kinda radiant. Your hair and skin. Seriously. You look sublime."
Still felt sweaty and gross, but it was nice to get a different perspective!0 -
Norah, you look awesome. My daughter was looking over my shoulder and she said "That person looks very pretty. I like her haircut." She's 13, so she knows what she's talking about. I hop you bought that dress! 0
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What a lovely article!!! Thanks, Dee, for sharing it.
Norah, your sister is right--you do look radiant and beautiful!
I have almost no pictures of myself from my teenage years because I hid so well from the cameras. A few weeks ago, a Facebook friend posted one and I was floored--I looked so young and beautiful and vivacious. Yes, I was overweight, but I was gorgeous too. I can't believe I didn't know this, didn't see it.
I have to remember to stop hiding from cameras. I am what I am, and only I see myself through eyes of such harsh criticism. Like the woman in the article, I need to see myself as others do. My hubs tells me I am stunning, and some days when I look in the mirror, I see that too. What has really helped is doing video clips to send to my sister. In video, I am animated and lively, and my crazy spirit shines through, and I LIKE seeing that.0 -
Norah you look lovely!!!!! Karen.....you are so full of life, don't hide from cameras!!! You are vivacious and beautiful.....inside and outside!!!!!!
Nancy0 -
I can't be sure because I highly doubt any photos of me in a bathing suit exist past the age of 5, but I *think* that woman and I have very similar bodies (though I'd bet that my bingo wings are bigger!). It's kind of nice to see such an unguarded photo of someone who looks like me. We even have similar swimsuits!
It's sad and funny how we see ourselves so much more negatively than others do. Yesterday I went looking for a dress to wear to my mom's very casual, intimate, outdoor wedding (at which she'll be wearing emerald green) and I sent this photo to a friend (basically my sister -- she's also coming to the wedding) to ask if it was too white:
I felt sweaty and gross (fitting rooms are always so dang hot!), but she said, "Beautiful. Btw - you look kinda radiant. Your hair and skin. Seriously. You look sublime."
Still felt sweaty and gross, but it was nice to get a different perspective!
SO small! You look gorgeous!!!!!!!0
