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[jumpinmonkies]

I think in the past, I've made it pretty darn clear that I look at my life as a spiritual journey. Sometimes, I get lost and have to ask for directions. Other times, I feel like I'm walking confidently, surefooted and stable. Either way, it's all a journey

Comments

[crowjoy]

I think this is a great idea!!! I am so psyched for your journey and feel privileged to get to witness it

[jumpinmonkies]

Not having photos of myself IS one of my motivations for doing this. I keep thinking about the fact that there will be so few for my kids to look at. And no matter how much it bothers me, that is a darn shame. So... I'm doing this. It's worth a shot, I think.

[sprouterific]

There was a recent article (NY Times I think?) about a photographer who photographs people while they're jumping in the air, because everyone lets their guard down when they concentrate on something like that. But I don't know how you'd do that yourself, unless you have a good timer ;)

I remember distinctly the first picture I really, really loved of myself, and I was comfortable in front of the camera enough to have a relaxed smile. It's still one of my favorite photos, and I remember that moment whenever I'm asked to be in a photo, to remind myself to truly relax. I was 17, which, in high school, we took *a lot* of photos that I was really self-concious in (but not nearly as many as the kids these days, but then we get into the digital vs film and that whole meaning thing, I digress), so taking that relaxed photo seemed like the beginning of a whole new stage of life, and I was a little more grown-up and less akward teenager.

[jumpinmonkies]

Hmmm... I might not be able to get myself jumping in the air, but it gives me some other ideas of ways to get my guard down a bit. Thank you for sharing that with me... it's getting the ideas flowing! :)

[badylugz]

You are indeed brave to do this and share. I did peek at your photo and I'm not going to comment on it per se, except to say that taking photos of yourself is probably the easiest way to ease into it and also the scariest as you have to choose and be ok with it.

I take really nice photos of myself because I've practiced with my camera and know something of how not to give myself a double chin, what angle is good, how to look cute etc etc. BUT I hate hate hate being photographed by others. I usually have my mouth open. Have double chin. Unflattering angles. Shiny face, large pores, badly managed eyebrows etc etc. So I need to take a page out of Crow's comment and work on that too.

Perhaps the next step is to only write one good thing about each photo, and try to change the tape that plays when you see images of yourself to a less critical one

[jumpinmonkies]

Writing one good thing about each photo is a goal that I'm going to work up to. But, in the beginning, while it's really hard, I'm going to let myself process that a bit... let myself live through it. Journal the good, the bad and the ugly (not that *I'm* ugly, but the ugly feelings.) Does that make sense?

[guivers]

This is FABULOUS. I LOVE it

[jumpinmonkies]

It's funny that you mention your weight loss photos. I swear to goodness I NEVER ONCE thought, "Yeah, but you're still fat." Truthfully, each photo made me beam with excitement for you. Truly. And I tell you that just because it might help you reframe your thoughts even now. :)

[bekkaboooo]

In the same vein, when I saw a rare photo of you, jumpin, I guess I had this preconceived notion of what you looked like, based on your posts, and I immediately thought "She's so much prettier than she thinks she is!!!" Really, for truly.

You are super-brave for doing this! Fabulous idea and I hope it helps you.

[missalleysun]

We were looking through grade school yearbooks last night and this very issue came crashing down on my head. 4th-8th grade? Super rough. 9-11? Not so awesome either. I have *those* images of me burned into my mind's eye even though I certainly do not look like I did back then. Crazy what torture we put ourselves through. This is really inspirational- I think we could all learn to be a little nicer to ourselves. I'm excited to see where you take this project...

[jumpinmonkies]

Oh goodness... I can relate. I had really REALLY awkward phases in elementary school and junior high especially. I was that little kid that had the poofy short haircut with no product and lots of calics. And later had the typical 80's glasses. Oh my. Maybe that is part of where all this is coming. Hmmmmmm.....