The Art of Looking at Yourself

Photographs have this unique power to stop time, to freeze a frame of ourselves. However, for many of us, this freeze-frame experience can become a magnifying glass for our insecurities. 

Instead of seeing the full picture, we hyperfocus on our perceived flaws, allowing them to overshadow the entirety of our being. 

There is a certain art to being able to witness yourself, to see beyond the distortions created by that inner critic. So how do we go about this when we’ve been taught from such a young age to critique ourselves?

Take the Time

Don't rush through the process of viewing your photographs on your phone; instead, carve out dedicated time. Brew yourself a comforting beverage, settle into a cosy space, and allow yourself the luxury of admiring yourself. Whether it's five minutes or a whole day, invest the time that feels right for you to sit with your photographs.

Acknowledge your Thoughts

When negative thoughts arise or you find yourself focusing on your insecurities, acknowledge them. Those feelings are valid! But it is important to understand that they don’t define you. They are learned beliefs that you’ve picked up in your life along the way.  Acknowledge them, then deliberately shift your focus to what you do appreciate about yourself.

At the start it might feel really strange, perhaps even weird to look for something that you like. The more you do this, the more it becomes a practice to actually compliment yourself when you see a photograph.

There is only one of you and only one of those amazing bodies. Treat yourself as you would your best friend, offering yourself kindness and encouragement.

You are in control of your body and thoughts, not this inner critic.

Take more Time
Perhaps you are just not in a great mindset right now to look at these intimate photos and that is okay! Take time away from them, a day, a week, a month, a year. The more time you take to step away from them, the softer your eyes will become when you decide to pick them up again.

Remember how you felt about those awkward teenage photos at that moment? How do you look at them now? Probably with a lot more fondness and care.

Take the time to pick up the photographs whenever you like.  Over time, you will see different things you like in the photographs than you saw at first.

Dare to Ask for Help

Sometimes we just need to hear from others what they see in the photographs. Ask your best friend, your partner, your parent, anyone that you trust; to come sit down with you and look at the photographs together. What do they see? I’m sure they will absolutely hype you up, giving you the chance to give that inner critic the back seat.

Practice and Practice

You can really start looking at yourself in photographs with softer eyes the more you do it. Pick them up, be kind, and let it rest. Pick them up again, and repeat. You are slowly re-wiring your brain to get rid of all these negative thoughts. There will be a day, that you truly see yourself for the amazing work of art that you are.