Look Closer

Take a minute to really look at this beautiful makeup-free face.

What do you see?

Look Deeper

The profile of a mother and daughter.

 While I was taking her pictures her daughter came around to say hello.

I couldn’t get over how similar their beautiful eyes were.

I also appreciated witnessing the love a mother has for her children.

You can see it shining in their countenance.

Our children not only reflect many of our beautiful features and details but the love that we have for them.

The love of a mother is beautiful.

You can see it in the face her of her children.

Mothers, you are beautiful!

~bedheadmom.com

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Looking Back

Why did you want to participate in #40Faces?

I wanted to participate in 40 faces because I had been struggling for a while to find my own value outside of how I looked. Six months earlier I would not have participated, because I was feeling very fragile emotionally about my worth as a woman almost entirely based on my physical self. After feeling so fragile I began to feel a bit angry with myself for feeling that way based only on the perceived judgements of others. I went through a time of searching for my worth inside of myself, from my Heavenly Father, from my children. I participated because I wanted to be brave and to be okay with myself. I didn’t want to be afraid to just be myself.

What were your feelings and thoughts while I was taking your pictures?

When you first began taking pictures I felt very self-conscious and uncomfortable, but talking with you while you took the pictures helped. I didn’t really feel comfortable until my daughter came and joined us. Once Clarie joined us my focus entirely changed…I was no longer thinking about how I might look, but thinking about my daughter and and how fast she is growing up, and how much I love her.

What were your first and honest thoughts when you saw your pictures for the first time? After looking at them for a while? Now?

When I first saw my pictures I was again self-conscious and uncomfortable. I was judging myself….seeing only what I think are my flaws. After looking at them for awhile I was able to look past those things, and see the things I like about myself. I loved the pictures with my daughter. When I look at the pictures now I am comfortable with them and so much more comfortable with myself. I still have days where I judge myself in a pretty shallow way, but more often I am able to see the things I love about myself. I look so much like my Dad, but I see bits of my Mom as well. I see my children. I see the ways I have grown and changed over time and the reasons for those changes. I am learning to be content with who I am and my own progress through this life. I am learning, a little at a time, to see myself from an eternal perspective.

Before #40Faces what was your perception of beauty? What did you think of yourself? Others?

Before 40 Faces I went through a time of struggle with how much my perception of beauty was influenced my the cultural standard and the media. I often wished I still looked like a 17 year old, and at the same time was frustrated by the lack of appreciation for the true beauty of women in all stages of life. I have been able to see that beauty in other women, but really struggled to see it in myself. I am learning to judge myself in a kinder way. I loved looking at the pictures of the other women in the series. It was much easier for me to see their beauty than it was for me to see my own. The first thing I notice about other people is always their smile. I have always disliked my teeth and most often smile with my mouth closed. looking at photos this has always made me a little sad, and I am trying to get past it. A smile really can show such joy, and I love to see other people smile and I notice the feeling not the teeth. I want to be comfortable enough with myself that I can smile with real joy and not be self-conscious about my teeth.

What was your favorite post in the series, other than your own, why?

I really enjoyed all of the other posts in the series, especially the young girls. It is so important for girls to know and appreciate their own true beauty and the beauty in the people around them. I think my very favorite post though, was # 28. She is so beautiful. Her smile glows with joy. Her eyes look full of experience and peace. She looks like a woman who is a blessing to her family, able to serve them and teach them to love and appreciate themselves.