THE POWER OF A SELFIE

I have a love-hate relationship with fashion, mainly because my body’s shape isn’t exactly mainstream, and finding that right fit takes time (and money and emotional strength).

Lately, I’ve been exploring more styles and materials and wanted to capture that evolution, so I started sharing my Outfit of the Day (#ootd) on my Instagram stories. It’s been an interesting exercise in putting oneself out there.

When I began sharing, I secretly felt I had no business posting my outfits on a platform where many more qualified and experienced women already produce similar content that offers more value than my bedroom mirror selfies. As the days went on, though, I began to admit something to myself: I do like fashion. I just don’t feel worthy of it. Why not? My belly is too soft. My chin is too dual. My thighs are too dense. My arms are too full — negative self-talk at its finest.

These thoughts string together to form a familiar noose that wrings our necks and snuffs out our creativity, making us small and fragile instead of authentic and secure. But, showing up has enabled me to look at myself in that mirror and have compassion for who I see gazing back. And that has given me the freedom to be expressive and creative, and maybe give someone else the courage to do the same, too.