Not so self, selfie: #daretobebare
Personally, I love selfies. I think they exude confidence and there is nothing more beautiful than a confident person. Some would argue that those taking selfies are seeking attention or approval by attempting to generate likes and compliments. Gratifying our insecurities in the process. Loving yourself, both inside and out is no easy feat, as we are all our worst critics.
That being said, there are now apps and filters to “perfect” skin, make-up, etc. Is it still a selfie? I’ll admitt, I’ve experimented with ‘perfect 365’, an app that downloads your image and refines your look to “perfection.” While I loved (and laughed at) the looks created, I felt like I didn’t look like myself at all. How is it a selfie if I don’t look like myself? How is it confident to retouch a photo until I’m satisfied with gleaming white teeth and baby smooth skin. It’s simply not realistic and it’s not fair. It’s not fair that in order to feel beautiful, you have to achieve this level of unrealistic “beauty”. It’s not fair to share these retouched images claiming it to be a selfie. Thats not the standard I want to set for myself and it’s certainly not the standard I want to relay to my daughter.
I am not as confident as I should be, but I’m trying. When I look in the mirror sometimes it’s hard to see the good when I constantly criticize my imperfections. My facial profile is all sorts of imbalanced, I have unwanted freckles and blackheads, I often look exhausted, and I get the occasional pimple. I started this blog to step outside of my comfort zone, and this is no exception. I want to feel confident in my own, unedited, imperfect skin. I want my daughter to recognize her allure and not subscribe to unrealistic standards.
Does this mean I’m writing off make-up, whitening toothpaste, or facial creams? Definitely, not. That’s crazy. I will probably always be the girl that doesn’t go to the grocery store without my face on (I delivered my children with full face make-up on, let’s be serious) but I am taking a stand against supporting and sharing retouched images. I am accepting and embracing my imperfections and working on loving my god-given features. And one step further, I dare you to join me! Take a natural, no make-up, no filter, untouched selfie with the hash tag #daretobebare! Together, we can create a message of genuine confidence and true beauty to all women and girls… or at least take a step in the direction!
