Let's Get REAL!!!!

Sometimes when you are searching out this vast blogscape of ours, you never know what you'll land upon.  I was totally intrigued to find out about Shakti Mama and this idea of putting up a totally "raw" photo of yourself.  The idea is terrifying to most of us...alot of our blogs have crisp, beautiful pictures...carefully selected to show only our best features, our best moments.  However, I like the idea of conquering my fears...throwing myself into the things that scare me most...and really baring myself to the world, well that terrifies me.  I want so badly to be that woman who just loves herself, madly and completely.  The truth is, I fluctuate alot between love and loathing.  When I see a picture of myself, I usually feel dismay...there is no love in that first glance...usually I hit the erase button and hope that the day will come when I magically become photogenic...when I become someone other than me.  

So...this is my first tentative step...into embracing me for who I am...so here I am...first thing in the morning, (you can't get any more real than that)!

Who is this girl in the mirror.  Let me tell you...she's afraid at times, awkward, geeky, cautious, tired, sometimes jealous and competitive...you know, if I could I would reach out and give her a hug...raise her up and help her see herself through someone elses eyes!

She's also joyful, full of love, honest, hardworking, creative, unique, caring, a great mother, a devoted friend and partner...most of the time her life feels very full!!

Do you know that I have barely any photographs with just me in them, there are a few with me and the children, but even those are few and far between...all that will be left of me are the memories, (which is sad considering the digitial age that we live in)!

So...here's to the start of some radical self acceptance...to see ourselves as we really and truly are and to love ourselves for it.  And...

here's the challenge...let's see the real YOU!!!   Mamas let's unite in radical self acceptance...one blog, one photo at a time!   If it scares you, then do it anyways...and let's start a discussion on why it's so scary in the first place.  I urge you to look at that woman in the mirror, with her heart so full and ask yourself, "is she really so bad"?

with love to you all

xo maureen

ps.  If you really LOVE this idea Shakti Mama is going to do a more in depth challenge of self acceptance, with weekly challenges...I think she's definately worth checking out!   You can also leave your photo links below, should you decide to participate, or just leave some commentary on this subject...I'd love to know how other mammas truly find ways to accept themselves unconditionally!