A consequence of this whole journey that I did not expect was learning to love myself.
It’s not what I thought I was looking for when we uprooted our lives in Australia and set off on the adventure of a lifetime. But it’s wild how many other benefits this lifestyle is having on me — my mindset, my life, and my mental health.
I’ve never liked how I looked and have always picked apart my image in the mirror.
I’ve never thought I looked good in photos. I rarely post photos of myself, and if I do, it’s only because I took them, reviewed them a hundred times, and still instantly regretted hitting “post.”
But for some reason now, I look at myself in the mirror and smile. I feel happy, grateful, and proud — just of being me.
I don’t wear makeup, and I haven’t had my hair cut in six months. Don’t even ask me about the last time I had my eyebrows done or got laser. But strangely enough, I like the way I look now more than I ever have.
All of a sudden, I see the beauty in my freckles.
I love my dimples.
I’m grateful for my smile lines — or wrinkles — whatever you want to call them.
Feeling very “in my 30s era” — and it may have taken 30 years and a big leap of faith to get here, but I’m hoping this self-love is here to stay.
Just remember: there is only one of you, and you are perfectly unique and wonderful just the way you are. Love yourself. And be grateful for the incredible gift that is simply being alive.
Til next time,
R
