Crooked teeth. The dental imperfection that can fuel orthodontic angst for years. For a long time, I felt self-conscious about my slightly crooked smile. Dreamed of perfect, straight teeth, imagined how much more “attractive” I’d be with a flawless grin. Then, something unexpected happened. People started complimenting my smile. Not “you have nice teeth” compliments, … Read more
“Love handles.” The dreaded muffin top. The side bulge that seems to defy all diets and workouts. For years, I hid mine under baggy clothes, high-waisted jeans, and a general air of avoidance. Love handles were the enemy, something to be concealed, not celebrated. Then, one hot summer day, I just…gave up. I put on … Read more
Bald spots. Hair loss. For women, especially, it can feel like a devastating blow to self-image. For years, I tried to hide my thinning patches, strategically styling my hair, using volumizing products, and feeling increasingly anxious about every strand that fell out. Then, I decided to stop hiding and start…owning it. It wasn’t a sudden, … Read more
“Chubby cheeks.” Baby-faced, chipmunk cheeks, whatever you call them, they can be a source of self-consciousness, especially as you get older. For years, I felt like mine made me look “childish,” “unprofessional,” “not-quite-grown-up.” I tried contouring, angled my selfies strategically, and secretly wished for sharper cheekbones. Then, I realized something. People actually…liked my chubby cheeks. … Read more
Body doubts. They creep in during workouts, in front of mirrors, in yoga studios surrounded by bendy bodies. For years, my yoga practice was often tinged with self-criticism. Comparing my poses to others, focusing on what I couldn’t do, feeling inadequate and inflexible. Then, I discovered a yoga pose that shifted my perspective. Child’s Pose. … Read more
Sucking in your stomach for photos. The universal pose of body insecurity. For years, it was my default setting in front of a camera. Engage core, hold breath, look uncomfortable, repeat. It was exhausting, unnatural, and ultimately, pointless. Then, I decided to try something radical: stop sucking in. The first few photos felt…weird. My stomach, … Read more
Freckles. Childhood sunshine kisses, or teenage skin blemishes? For years, I saw mine as the latter. Annoying splatters of pigment that made my skin look “uneven” and “imperfect.” I tried to cover them with makeup, wished they would magically disappear, and generally considered them a flaw. Then, something shifted. Freckles started to become…trendy. Suddenly, models … Read more
Height insecurity. Whether you’re “too tall” or “too short,” feeling like you don’t fit the societal ideal can be surprisingly impactful. For years, I felt self-conscious about being “too short.” Always the shortest in photos, often overlooked in crowds, constantly feeling like I was looking up at the world. Then, a chance encounter with a … Read more
“Flat chest.” In a society often obsessed with curves, it can feel like a deficit. For years, I felt self-conscious about my smaller bust, comparing myself to images of amplified cleavage and feeling like I was somehow “less feminine.” Then, I decided to rewrite the narrative. To stop seeing my flat chest as a lack … Read more
Forehead fears. “Too big,” “too small,” “too…forehead-y.” For some reason, foreheads can become focal points of insecurity. For years, mine was. I hid it under bangs, strategically styled my hair to minimize its perceived size, and generally avoided hairstyles that might “accentuate” it. Then, I got a haircut that completely changed my perspective. It wasn’t … Read more