Friend Friday...

Welcome to this week's edition of Friend Fridays, sponsored by ModlyChic.

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?

I have grown to accept my weight and shape so much more since I started blogging. I'm still learning, but I better know how to dress the shape that I am now, as opposed to the shape I was 10-15 years ago. It's a lot more work now than it was back then, but I find myself so proud when I put together an outfit that is flattering, creative, and fun all at the same time.

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?

I am self-conscious about EVERY aspect of myself! It's probably my biggest flaw -- I care way too much what people think. I act like I don't, and I wish I didn't so much, but I do -- I want everyone to like me!
Physically, while I've come a long way, I still have a really hard time accepting the size and shape that I am. I was tall and thin all the way up through college, so not only is it incongruous in my mind when I look in the mirror, it's also hard for me to accept that the reason I have gained weight is all my own doing.
I do go out of my way to either camouflage the areas I'm not happy with when I dress or to at least make a point not to emphasize those areas. I'm not afraid to talk about the things I'm self-conscious about, but I have been working on not focusing on it so much mentally -- while it is something to think about when I buy clothes, I don't want it to be the ONLY focus of my fashion choices.

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?

I'm hoping that I will be able to get myself in better shape. I don't imagine that I will ever be as tiny as I was back in the day, but right now I'm obese, out of shape, and flat-out unhealthy -- I don't want that for myself, my husband, or the children I hope to have someday. Still, I have always had curves, and I love that!
I have grown so much over the past year or two in my self-acceptance, and I see that just getting even better!

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?

While I haven't taken many photos for the last several months, yes, I do take photos of myself for my blog. I am getting better at knowing how to pose in a way that flatters my shape. I grew up as a dancer, so I always had my pictures taken -- somehow, despite growing up with low self-esteem about my appearance, I also developed a huge sense of vanity, and I *hate* showing people bad pictures of me! Are my photos perfect? no. Do I post photos that are not true about how I look? no -- I don't even retouch redeye and I rarely even do so much as adjust brightness/lighting. But yes, I may turn to the side or suck in my gut so my tummy looks a little flatter.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?

As I'm learning for myself: every shape is beautiful, including YOURS! If the clothes don't fit or flatter, it's not the fault of you or your body; the clothes simply don't do justice to fabulous shape you've got. You aren't wrong for the piece. The piece is wrong for you. Keep searching for a piece that's flattering to your amazing body.
There are many gorgeous bloggers out there of all shapes and sizes, so no matter what you look like, you can find some fabulous inspiration out there. And no matter which struggles you face in shopping for clothes or putting outfits together, there is someone out there who is in the same situation who can share tips, tricks, and hints with you! We can all learn from each other and inspire one another!