Sometimes, when I look in the mirror, I see the person I was, not who I presently am. Last year, I was pretty much the same person, but also very different. Last year, my smile was big, because it was fake. I wanted to be likeable, make friends, please others. I was lonely and adjusting to a completely different life. Today, I am real. I have bad days, but don't we all. When others like me, that's great, but it doesn't define me any more. I have learned to just be myself. I smile everyday, but it's not as wide. It's not forced, it's real. I feel more true to myself than ever.
I think this is great because you got to be yourself by showing who you are in your photos and people connected with them and your words. Glad you are more true this year.
the real you is so special, so thoughtful, and so giving. I love seeing growth and change in myself and others. good for you for being able to see it all so clearly.
I think that we all fall into that trap of wanting to be liked by everyone and pleasing everyone. You've been very a very special person since I started on this project. Your husband and children certainly love you as you are and so do many others, Courtney. I love both photos on your selfie. You're beautiful inside and out. :)
What a great way to be- a good lesson for us all. So glad you can look back and reflect on how far you have come in one year. Maybe 2012 really is a year of "awakening".
I know all about the forced smiles, so i totally get what you're saying when you talk about that. I'm grateful that I haven't had to fake a smile for a long time now, and I'm glad you've reached the same place:)
I love what you had to say. I think a lot of can relate. I'm a lot older than you are but when i was your age I used to think everyone one else had all their stuff together except me. As I get older I still don't have all my stuff together but I now know no one else does either so it make me a bit easier on myself. I stayed home for 10 years when my kids were young and I didn't know what I wanted to do when I went back to work but it all came together. You seem like a really warm and positive person so just be yourself. I love how this project is about photography but also about people and relationships.
Great pic :) I always love to see your pics and captions - you really are so true to yourself and it comes through in what you write. I love the energy that flows from you into your project and comments :)
Love this selfie! I remember feeling like you do. My kids were all young and we had just moved to a new state. I felt so fake trying to fit in and was terribly lonely. It took me much longer to get to where you are. I learned that a few close friends are way more satisfying to me then groups of friends. Great shot!
I have thought a number of times about this photo and what you wrote. I absolutely agree. For me it was something about being in my thirties that has let me start digging into the authentic me. How awesome. Great work and fabulous memories.
