"You haven't lost your smile at all, it's right under your nose. You just forgot it was there."
If you read my earlier post about my struggle with self-image, you may recall that the "overly dramatic" exercise of comparing before and after pictures produced an interesting result - recognizing the difference in my smile. So now months later - it is the most distinguishing factor in this transformation - appreciating a real, genuine smile that reflects my outlook on life.
Some may find this funny - but I have always been insecure about my smile - see... it's crooked. And the bigger my smile - the more noticeable that was. A crooked smile might be cute on a little kid - but not a teenager, or and adult. So that's where it started... limiting my smile to not expose a self-perceived flaw!
Right now I'm laughing at myself - seeing a recurring theme here... limits - fear of failure - self-perceived flaws... WOW - it really did permeate my life.
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| Sept 2008 with daughter Emily |
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| January 2011 - SMILE - Life is good! |
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| What really makes me smile... |
I recognize in the before picture - how unhappy I really was... and this journey has taught me a lot. I could try and tell you all the ways my life has changed - but my smile says it all.
So right now - my smile - has given me a new outlet for Living Out Loud - without saying a single word!
A real smile is a powerful tool - to show the world the qualities that make you beautiful on the inside. A smile gives others an invitation to get to know you.
- My smile is beautiful
- My smile is contagious
- My smile inspires others and gets bigger when I think about how far the smiles in my before/after pictures have traveled inspiring others
- Someone out there will fall in love with my smile
- I smile when no one else is around - and I know I'm happy
- I smile when life gets difficult - after this journey - I know I can get through anything
I've always been a fan of your smile! Even more so , now that is real!
ReplyDeleteyour commitment to your physical goals and your blog are an inspiration! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou look so happy in the recent pictures...and I am so haapy for you! It's a little sad that you were insecure with your smile....because it has always been beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI've always thought your smile was perfect, crooked and all! It's the only thing I recognize now. Love you!!
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