Body Shame/Trauma part 2 FACE

 Body shame/trauma part 2:

I have posted before about how I was called ugly all the time from elementary age up through even a few years ago. I was constantly made fun of for my hair color and freckles and as soon as I could, I colored my hair and caked on makeup. I am not even kidding when I say that I painted it on like a clown does so I wouldn't look like me. So much makeup to cover each and every freckle. So much also that anyone who got near me got it on them. I was the first one up at family reunions, activities, etc to put it on, and made sure no one ever saw me without. It never helped me feel better about myself but I hoped and prayed that it would make others accept me, but it never stopped the bullying or changed anything.

Since working on myself and releasing the need for approval of others, the past few years I have been more comfortable going places without makeup and when I do wear it, I only color in my eyebrows and use mascara vs the layers of concealer, eye-shadow, etc. that I would do before.

Today I shared in my business group a picture of me without any makeup! It was so freeing! I decided it was time for me to share here as well, since hardly anyone has seen me without makeup and the closest I ever have gotten to posting without makeup is the silly eyebrow pictures from a few months ago ( https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157234014748896&set=pb.512258895.-2207520000.1557415441.&type=3&theater )

So, this is me with my husband and best friend No makeup at all, natural hair color,etc. With my clear eyebrows and eyelashes, my freckles and scars. Some might look at this picture and still make comments like they have in the past about how I "might be pretty with makeup" or how ugly they still think I am, but I know better now. I know that those people had and have their own issues and their issues are not mine. People who want to put down others aren't the people I want to be around anyways and I am done wasting way to much time trying to be accepted by people who weren't going to love and accept me for me anyways.

I challenge you to do the same. It is so empowering!

I know it is easier said than done, but it is so freeing to finally let go of the fear of how others will respond and just be you. To let others have their own crap back and no longer try to change who you are for others.