When I was younger, I wasn't always comfortable in my skin. Looking back now, I don't know why -- I didn't have too much to worry about. Now that I'm older, I have fat where I don't want it, stretch marks, cellulite. I'm not perfect and I sure as shit ain't no beauty queen. But I don't think I'm ugly either. And that's the god to honest truth.
Do I wish I didn't have these flaws? Hell yeah. But it is what it is. I know what I am and I know what I'm not. Some days I don't feel great in the body I live in. Other days, I feel pretty damn good about it. Today is actually the former rather than the latter, unfortunately.
Arguably, women have it pretty tough when it comes to societal ideals of beauty. I won't get into a discussion about it, but I will tell you, that if you're a woman, you understand and have experienced the many layers of that issue.
I took this picture today as a reminder of sorts. I actually am not sure how I feel about it the more I look at it. When I was younger I was kinda all skin and bones. I hated my collar bone because it used to jut out. Now, I've learned to embrace that about myself, along with the thousand and one faults that I probably only really care about.
And those who do notice my physical faults and judge me because of them?
Well, fuck 'em, right?
Who I am on the outside doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the woman I am on the inside.
Incredible shot, very beautiful. Fantastic commentary. Even though I'm but a man, I very much appreciate, and actually find this relatable. Brava for you! Love it.
@adamj Thanks, Adam. I think we've had a couple of interesting conversations about this topic. Regardless of what gender, always something to say about it. All that aside, beauty is skin deep. I am mostly concerned about improving myself on the inside but I'd be a liar if I said I didn't care at all about what is on the outside.
@fauxtography365 I've just recently begun to turn my way of thinking around towards your way. I guess I've just gotten smarter as I've gained more "life experience".
Ms T, I have never met you. I have only seen the parts of you that you have put on this project. I have read what you have written and I can say the woman that has taken the photos. The woman that has written the words that I have read, is beautiful, intelligent, photogenic and a good person. The world needs more good people. By the way, nothing wrong with you collar bones!
We are all more critical of ourselves than we need to be. Our friends and loved ones accept these things about us, that we see as flaws. We would be boring if we didn't have some flaws!
Let's start with this: Clavicles and the sternoclavicular notch are sexy. See Kristen Scott Thomas.
Next, your last three lines are great. I love the "Screw you, shallow people!" attitude. It's healthy and refreshing. Just because you aren't on the cover of a magazine doesn't mean you aren't beautiful and attractive and alluring.
Finally, at the risk of sounding like one of those shallow people, I have yet to see a flaw anywhere, even in this shot.
@timerskine thanks, Tim. I enjoy when you chime in. When I was growing up, the "norms" of beauty that existed in the media (even now) were and are things I never could measure up to - certain height, breast size, skin color, eye and hair color, etc. But I've found that those things don't have to define beauty for me. And thankfully now some things have changed and there are more diverse images of beauty that come in all shapes and sizes. But what I've realized is that I don't want to be the ideal. And that it's wonderful enough that the people that matter to me think I'm beautiful.
Wow, this is a gorgeous selfie and you are very attractive, great skin. And you write very well! I definitely think you are my favorite new 365 friend :)
@adamj Thanks, Adam. I think we've had a couple of interesting conversations about this topic. Regardless of what gender, always something to say about it. All that aside, beauty is skin deep. I am mostly concerned about improving myself on the inside but I'd be a liar if I said I didn't care at all about what is on the outside.
wonderful simplicity of this photo.
@tosee thanks, Tom. The lighting in my bathroom never disappoints! :)
Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzRBoZb3GKw
Next, your last three lines are great. I love the "Screw you, shallow people!" attitude. It's healthy and refreshing. Just because you aren't on the cover of a magazine doesn't mean you aren't beautiful and attractive and alluring.
Finally, at the risk of sounding like one of those shallow people, I have yet to see a flaw anywhere, even in this shot.