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Mirror, Mirror

 “I could try to be just like you, but I wanna be like me - the girl in the mirror.”

Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself and thought “YIKES!”? Of course you have! We all have! We can all get a little self-critical from time to time, can’t we?

I’ll be honest, I don’t often love seeing pictures of myself, especially those really close up, like selfies. Every image seems to amplify my insecurities and highlight “flaws” that I wish would disappear.

I’m a pretty simple girl—no make-up, no heels, just me as I am, and I find that the world often holds up a different standard of beauty for females, one that's heavily curated and polished. My negative thoughts can weigh heavily at times, and social media (with all its’ filters) only magnifies those feelings of self-doubt.

Over the last year, I’ve taken a number of selfies or mirror pictures. Some were taken to capture moments during my solo trips, some were taken to track physical changes influenced by diet, training and recovery, and others were taken simply to be goofy and share with friends on different occasions.

As I got in the groove of taking pictures of myself (awkward!), it kind of became a personal exercise of self-acceptance. I focused on finding the good and I began seeing much more than just the surface flaws. I captured moments where my inner personality shone through, and where I could see a glimpse of the person I am inside.

Sharing these photos, for me, is a small but significant act of bravery. It’s not about chasing likes or followers, and it is most definitely not about showcasing perfection. It is about celebrating progress and improved confidence. Each photo is a step towards embracing the girl in the mirror, recognizing her worth, and accepting her imperfections. The folder of images in my phone now serves as a reminder that beauty isn’t defined by societal standards but by how we perceive and accept ourselves. The mirror may reflect our outward appearance, but it’s our inner strength and acceptance that truly shape our self-image.

This journey of self-love isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding!


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