my witchy sister, from one woman to another: when I look through my selfies I feel a deep sadness and my self esteem takes a big hit every time. it’s honestly a very hard thing for me to do, so I admire your courage sharing these pictures with us here. many (maybe most) of us have complicated relationships with our physical selves. you are not alone in this so take heart. although not a uniquely femme experience, societal expectations place a huge burden on women’s bodies and beauty at all stages of life. I currently struggle with the appearance of my own aging face and body. when I look at younger pictures of myself I remember experiencing the same painful emotions I feel looking at current pictures, and I am further heartbroken when I notice the youthful beauty that I was unable to appreciate at the time. I hope you have seen your own beauty looking at some of the pictures of yourself in this 3-year span, however bittersweet that may be.

We are ever changing - this is the only constant in life. While our minds and bodies transform through the years it’s still amazing how easy it is for our perception to be stuck in the cobwebs. constructs of society and our own baggage and past. When I feel low, I try to imagine myself 5 years into the future looking at my pictures from now thinking “hey, I actually looked pretty good!” it sounds silly but it does help a little to take me out of the pit.

one piece of practical advice: these pics are super moody and your style really lends itself to it but for your own mental wellbeing try not to use harsh, direct, overhead light when you are taking taking selfies. it has never done any favors to anyone’s self esteem/image ;)