Why I Had to Get Over Myself and Take a Selfie: Now It’s Your Turn
{Posted February 20, 2017}
I got a selfie stick for Christmas last year. I can’t believe that’s something I would have ever wanted?!? I’m still figuring it out! Do you have one?
About two years ago I felt called to begin sharing my story in this online space and the journey of faith and fitness that I had been on most of my life. The most difficult and vulnerable part? Posting a selfie! Technically I’m not a pro at it (I took 15 this morning to get a decent one! lol!), but it was the struggles within that I had to fight (and still do!).
I’ve never been a fan of looking in a mirror. Full length mirror? Not in my bathroom!
When I was a school-age girl, I went to Disney World with a friend. I remember getting in line for a ride and all along the entrance were mirrored walls. Oh how I hated it! Just don’t look! I always thought my friend was prettier than me. Here she was checking her hair and primping (like girls are supposed to do!), and I just kept my head down. Get me out of here!
That was years ago, but the struggle remained. And the memory is still there. I avoided mirrors at all costs. And pictures. Just put me in the background. Or better yet, let me take the picture while you beautiful people smile for the camera!
So, if I struggle to look in the mirror, why would I want to post a picture of myself so that I (and the rest of the world) could look at it??? A selfie? Of me? Really??
But here’s the deal…..
When we, when I, don’t appreciate the reflection looking back at me, I’m saying to God that He didn’t do a very good job. I’m not appreciating the miracle of life that He’s given me and the way He has uniquely crafted me. The sin of pride doesn’t come with looking in the mirror or posting the picture. It comes when we think He should’ve made me better. Pride shows itself when we think He didn’t get it right. It happens when we need others to validate us. Pride is present when we compare ourselves to others.
Why I had to get over myself and take a selfie. #runmyrace Click To Tweet
And think of the memories you’re missing out on. What happens when your children and grandchildren look at pictures and wonder where you are? Why aren’t you in the pictures, Mom? Where’s Grandma in all the pictures? How do you answer that?
So today I’m challenging you to spend some extra time in front of the mirror. Take a selfie. You don’t even have to post it. This isn’t about getting people to look at ME, but directing their (and my) attention to the One who created me. To the One who doesn’t make mistakes. To the One who has a plan for each and every one of us. We can’t follow that plan if we’re caught up in feeling like He didn’t make us right.
Embrace and celebrate the wonderful YOU He created! Give Him praise!
If you choose to take that selfie and post it on social media, be sure to tag me! I’d love to give you a virtual hug and praise Him, because you are fearfully and wonderfully made!
I often do a selfie challenge in my Faith and Fitness Facebook group. Have you joined yet??
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I’ve definitely fallen into the trap of being the one behind the camera and then down the road I’m sort of disappointed there aren’t any pics of me with my kids, etc. I don’t mind selfies and I do have a full-length mirror but still, I don’t take that many. I think I won a selfie stick at an event. I’ve never used it…
It’s not until I’ve tried to take several pictures that I remember I have a selfie stick that might make it a bit easier! lol! I think as moms we are often behind the camera 🙂
I am not that skilled at selfie taking but I do take a lot of photos AND I think they are a great way to appreciate yourself and stay positive! Selfie sticks are pretty awesome 🙂 – enjoy!
Thanks Jamie! There is an art to taking pictures, and I haven’t quite found it yet, but I’ll keep working on it! 🙂
I’ve always considered getting a selfie stick. My selfie game is pretty weak. Maybe it will help? And I’ve always hated the camera and/or mirror. It took a while for me to learn to be okay standing in front of both – there are days when I still hate it – but I’m much better than I was. I’ve learned to appreciate me for me. And you should definitely appreciate the YOU that you are and all the love you have to give. That’s what shows in pictures. 🙂
For sure Jennifer! Thanks for sharing this. I think we all have those days, but just checking our mindset and making a shift on our outlook will help. Let me know if you get a selfie stick 😉
I have a hard time with the mirror some days but I think over all my self esteem has gone up a lot the last few years.
That’s good. It’s all about making progress.