I’m two months into senior year and genuinely couldn’t even guess how many times I’ve had my picture taken. Before October ends, I have two more rounds of senior pictures. I know everyone was to remember their glory days as a 17-18 year olds, so I guess it makes sense, but I’ve gotten so anxious about all of these pictures. I keep worrying that I’m going to hate the pictures my kids will look through of when their mom was a senior. That’s definitely looking too much into things, but it’s how I’ve been feeling.
Here’s the thing: worrying about taking “ugly” pictures was really just me worrying about looking ugly. Everyone I know has GORGEOUS senior pictures, and I’ve been worried about being the exception. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have pretty pictures, but I knew there was a problem because I didn’t feel pretty (See what I did there?)
That’s why it’s important to remember that battling low self-esteem is a process. Not comparing myself to others is a process. There are high points and deep slumps.
I’m writing all of this to say that I have LOVED my senior pictures so far (all the ones I’ve seen, at least), and I want to be very transparent about my mindset during these.
I preach confidence and self-empowerment because I know how important those things are, but the last thing I want anyone who reads these posts to think is that I never struggle with that anymore. One way I learn best is through teaching others; that’s why I explain all of this.
When I post these pictures on social media, I know I’ll receive overwhelming positivity from my friends and family. If I don’t explain how I really felt, someone could easily assume I had no problems taking these because that’s what it looks like.
So, you’re worried about how pretty you look in every picture you take. That’s okay. Me too.
We have to remind ourselves that though we were so worried about how they’d turn out, they’re good. They’re pretty, and so are you. You have every right to feel that way.