The Gallery : Selfie

About three years ago, TaraLara set a theme of "self portrait" for The Gallery and I very cleverly avoided posting a picture of myself. I am a confident person but I have spent most of my teenage and adult life avoiding the camera lens.  I have never been comfortable with the way I look and don't have a very photogenic face.  I'm not at all sure how to smile properly either.  

However, I have come to accept that this is the way that I look and it's not going to change any time soon. I have started finding the confidence to put my own picture on my social media accounts.  You have no idea what a huge move forward this is. 

<> I have recently found a hairstyle that I totally love and should have had the confidence to go for it sooner. 

<> I now wear contact lenses most of the time but I also have a pair of glasses that suit my face shape.

<> I'm working on my body shape and accepting that I will probably never be as svelte as I used to be.  

<> I am learning how to wear clothes properly.

I'm not a massive fan of the 'selfie' (taking a picture of yourself - usually on a mobile device) and my social media timelines are littered with egotistical snaps. However, the reason I'm joining in with The Gallery (get clicky to see more) this week (on a week where I would normally run in the opposite direction) is because recently I have received some lovely compliments and it's time to start listening. Also, a couple of people have shown disbelief when I have told them my age (41 and bloody proud of it, if you're interested).  

I wonder if this change in self-belief has something to do with the fact that I am finally achieving in my life? I'm enjoying new challenges at work, I am fulfilling a life-long dream with the radio show and I have taken the pressure off by putting my degree on hold in favour of studying for a teaching qualification through work.  If you're comfortable in your own skin then surely that's going to shine out, isn't it?

So, this is me...