I realized the other day that I never shared my May selfie mosaic and I also missed my June OLW update. Let’s take care of that pronto.
As you may recall, I took a selfie every day for the month of May. My original intention was to take different camera angles, sometimes showing full body shots instead of just head and shoulders, and it was all with the goal of body positivity. Well, in reality, I only did 1 full body shot. Still, I completed the project satisfactorily and I really did grow in my acceptance of how I look on a daily basis.
June’s prompt was all writing, which is tots in my wheel house. The idea is to pause at the half way mark of the year and evaluate the journey so far. To answer questions that take you back to where you were when you started in January and to consider if there are things you want to change as you go forward.
I think the most important thing, of all the things I wrote, is this: I want to remember that I chose practice to encourage myself to try without the fear of failure That practice isn’t about success of even improvement, that remembering to try is enough. I want to tell myself that it’s just practice and I can try anything.
And that’s where I am at the half way mark of my year of practice.
Strong, powerful message. We are all so hard on ourselves. We either want perfection or we are too afraid of failing to even try. Your words hit home. Thanks.
I love your selfie project, Carole, and I hope you’re still taking the occasional selfie. (As someone who started a selfie project – althought not daily – during the pandemic, I can say it does a lot of good in just accepting yourSELF in all your raw realness.) I’m really glad you chose the word “practice” this year. It’s fun to see all the ways it’s weaving its magic into your life. XO
I do tend to expect a level of expertise when I try new things. This is neither rational nor based on past experience. I’ve also realized it’s much worse in front of others, even friends. Taking a virtual quilt class a couple years ago made me realize how much joy it was stealing when no one could see any of my work I kept off camera. I think you’re on to something with this word, “practice”.
I think the Selfie with Cat Butts may be my favorite of the bunch!
I may have said this before, but I’m really impressed by your selfie project as an exercise in self-acceptance. I know I’m harder on myself and how I look than anyone else, and it’s so easy to turn on the self-criticism. I’ve very rarely taken photos of myself because I’m so often displeased with how I think I look in them — but maybe that’s the reason to do it more.
I, too, love your selfie project! But I especially love your try it idea. My gosh… how many times do I stifle myself over fear of messing up. Thank you for sharing! (I have written that trying bit down in my journal!)
I’m a big fan of the selfie w/ cat butts. too! It’s always a struggle to remind ourselves that perfect is the enemy of good, and oftentimes simply trying and practice is the best way.
That “trying bit” is wonderful Carole…I’m going to save it too. And your selfie project is fabulous! Sounds to me like you are at a great place half way through the year. Keep on keepin’ on!!!
What an amazing practice! I fell a bit behind with some of the prompts but I’m getting caught up and enjoying the process. Thanks for sharing this encouragement
I like the way you think!
de-lurking to share that I’m trying to call some of my efforts “experiments” these days. Experiments are allowed to fail. They are trial runs to see if the process or idea works or won’t work. They are a way of letting go of expectations for a certain outcome. In fact, I’m about to frog 400 yards of knitting because I don’t like what I’m getting. It’s an experiment. I can try it again with a bigger needle and see if I like that outcome better.
Those 31 selfies tell such a powerful story – there is something about really seeing yourself that the camera does so well. And your June message is empowering, too. Love all the comments about practice, trying, and being totally ok with however it works out. Thank you!
Your selfie portraits look so beautiful to me! I see you as the real Carole who was here a few years ago. Love it!
The selfie project would be a great way for me to accept all my wrinkles! LOL
I love this…..: I want to remember that I chose practice to encourage myself to try without the fear of failure That practice isn’t about success of even improvement, that remembering to try is enough. I want to tell myself that it’s just practice and I can try anything.
I have tucked that way in a spot that I can remind me of just this! ??