I used to hate this face.
I’ve always been self-conscious about my skin. I really believe filters have changed the way so many of us see ourselves. We’ve gotten so used to filtered faces that we forget most of us don’t actually have perfectly smooth, poreless skin. That’s not real life.
I’m in my late 30s, almost 40, and I can see the changes in how I’m aging. For a long time, I was unhappy about it. I didn’t even really know how I looked anymore. I preferred black-and-white photos because, in my eyes, I looked better that way even if that probably wasn’t true. But it felt safer.
Being on my weight loss journey has shifted my perspective. I went from hating seeing my face because of my double chin to slowly learning how to love it as it is. I used to keep my hair long because I thought it helped hide my cheeks or my chin. This weekend, I chopped it off… and honestly? It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
I’m going to continue my weight loss journey. But more importantly, I’m going to continue loving myself through it. Because at the end of the day, we are all beautiful every phase, every version, every age.
I can relate deeply to the struggle with accepting our natural face in a world dominated by filtered and often unrealistic beauty standards. Filters make us forget that perfect, poreless skin isn't the norm but an edited illusion, which can lead to harsh self-judgment. Like many, I’ve spent time hiding perceived imperfections or wishing for a different look. What truly helped me was changing my mindset during my personal wellness journey. Instead of focusing solely on physical changes like weight loss or masking features with long hair, I began appreciating my unique traits as markers of my life story and resilience. Cutting my hair short felt liberating, much like shedding old insecurities that no longer served me. Aging gracefully means recognizing every phase and version of our appearance as beautiful. It’s normal to notice changes as we approach new decades; what matters is cultivating kindness toward ourselves. Daily affirmations, mindfulness, and surrounding myself with supportive communities helped reinforce this positive self-image. This experience taught me that loving ourselves isn't just about external changes but embracing the person we are inside — confident, imperfect, and evolving. Remember, beauty isn’t a fixed ideal but a journey of acceptance and self-care that grows with us over time. If you’re struggling with similar feelings, know you’re not alone, and small steps towards embracing your true face can bring profound emotional freedom.
