I have recently started using Snapchat loads but one reason I didn’t like it to begin with was you are expected to snap interesting photos, funny photos, or selfies. That last one I struggled with, as I have for a long time hated the way I look. So I would take selfie after selfie, hating each one more and more till I would give up and just send a picture of the floor with the text I wanted to put. Most the things I dislike are things I can’t change about myself, such as the mole on my nose. I’ve come to realise I shouldn’t hate the flaws I can’t change, but accept they are part of me. That’s difficult and definitely was not helped from the years of nicknames and snide comments. That crap stays with you.
After a sending several snaps of the floor, my drink, my window, what ever, I got bored so decided I should probably start doing selfies if I want to use snapchat. As much as I hated it, I stuck at it so I could use the platform my friends seemed to prefer. After a while I started to get used to and even started to accept the flaws I saw in myself. That’s great if we start accepting the flaws that we can’t change about ourselves but can be dangerous if we start accepting the flaws we can change. For example, I have put the weight on that I lost several months ago. If I was to accept this perceived flaw I could allow myself to keep putting weight on. Which could lead to nicknames and snide comments that could then damage my self esteem and bring about self loathing.
The point of this post is simple, learn to accept the flaws you can’t change as they are part of you. The flaws you can do something about, then work productively and positively to change them. Whether this is about the way you look or a behaviour. Be self aware, be realistic, be you what ever that looks like.
Lovely perspective Tom ya beaut. However you've left out something rather important. You've got to remember the positive and beautiful things about yourselves too. Whether it's the inner or outer beauty, gods gift of your crazy curls or the ability to look at something in a compleatly different and positive way. To use the evilness of social media to your advantage. And to turn self hatred into something brilliant, and more so, have the courage to share your experience. That kind of beauty can be recognised everyday, by yourself.
Cheers Vic! I left out other aspects as I just wanted to concentrate on flaws in particular otherwise this post would be a book! 🙂 keep being awesome 🙂