A few years ago a friend and I resolved to do a photo project that required us to snap a self-portrait every single day for a year. I did not totally follow through on the project, but as a result of the project I have developed the habit of taking a few portraits every few weeks.
The project actually started about the same time that my crisis of faith started. As I was looking over many of the pictures I was amazed by the changes in my appearance over the years. Lots of different hairstyles. Lots of hair colors. Lots of different looks. Maybe I was searching for how "I" felt comfortable.
I feel like my appearance now is a much more accurate representation of who I feel like I am. I am so much more comfortable in my own skin than I was a few years.
Has anyone else seen a drastic change in their appearance since leaving the church or since coming out of the closet?
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| Right before my mission... BEFORE the crisis of faith. |
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| Right after BYU... Beginning of photo project. Jeez.. BYU stress made me fat... |
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| Right when I quit wearing the Mo-Underwear |
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| This does not even look like "me"... |
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| Early last year I think... |
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| Last April |
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| Last summer |
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| Novemberish... |
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| Yesterday |
I like yesterday best. It seems to combine happy with wise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Paul! I like the word "wise". I aspire to it.
DeleteWow, what an amazing change! I'm glad you have figured out how to be you.
ReplyDelete:) I would have uploaded more, but it was a pain. Change is so drastic! So different... When I went home this summer between weight loss, clothes, and change in hair and styles people did not even recognize me.
DeleteLovely! Life is so much better when all aspects of yourself are in harmony. The lack of discomfort from putting on a front is freeing. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Balance and honesty.
DeleteI think you're beauty (outer and inner) is really coming out now. Really. Instead of trying to fit in some box, you just look like you. Simply gorgeous. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYou are cute. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI'm partial to dark hair, because it enhances your beautiful eyes. Glad to see that you're in a good place where you feel comfortable being who you are.
ReplyDeleteHugs,Miguel
Thank you Miguel. That last photo makes it look dark for some reason, but it is almost all grown out! It will be its natural color after the next cut... May have to color it though. I agree with you. I like it dark.
DeleteI like seeing posts like this: they're a good visual reminder of where you were and where you are.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ben! It is interesting to see the differences.
DeleteYes, I have Kiley. In fact, I ran into someone from my former ward a few days ago and she could not stop going on about the change in my physical appearance. The ironic thing is that I think it was my depression as a strict and devout LDS woman that contributed to how I looked before.
ReplyDeleteLove that last picture! So pretty!
I agree!!! Depression changes how you look. (You currently look lovely and very happy in your picture there!)
DeleteYou look at peace with yourself in the final photo. The "quit-wearing-Mo-underwear" photo is my favorite, since it looks so soulful.
ReplyDeleteI can't say that my hair and clothing appearance drastically changed since my deconversion from Catholicism. However, since I deconverted at age 14 and am now in my thirties, my build and facial appearance have changed, so technically that counts.
I really like that particular photo too.
DeleteTechnically growing up counts in changing your appearance! :)
I love the yesterday picture! And it's fun to see your progression. I don't think I have changed the way I look much... I dress differently. I don't wear makeup anymore.
ReplyDeleteI've also put on weight, and I think my face is just brighter... I know people comment on pictures of me now saying I LOOK really happy.
This makes me want to go look at old pics of myself to see how much I've changed.
IDK changes in dress and not wearing make-up are kind of big.
DeleteI LOVE that people notice that you look happy! That is something a lot of my friends and family have commented on too.