Looking back at pictures is really painful for me, I look and see a beautiful young woman, but at the time I didn’t realize how good I had it.  I was always slim but never really got any direction with makeup or skin care - not to mention fashion - eewww.

My mother is a very no-frills type of person so she never really gave me advice on how to put things on or what I should be doing.

I thought I was too fat to wear certain things, I had this phobia about my ears, I thought they stuck out too much so I NEVER wore my hair up even though it looked really good on me… now I wear it up most of the time.

Young women out there: don’t be afraid to admire yourself… even if it’s one little thing you think is good about yourself, emphasize and focus on it!  Also, take LOTS Of pictures - do it yourself if you have to! 

No one around me has ever been a good photographer, don’t be embarassed to go get your picture taken for YOURSELF!  I wish I had, I have some pictures where I’m in mid-speech or taking a fork full of food in my mouth - not attractive! or my now husband is famous for taking “giant woman” pictures with my crotch in the forefront!! flattering?!<$  how annoying!