April 16, 2012

But how do you know when...


...you have become who you really are?



"It Takes Courage"
(self-portrait #14)



MAYBE it is when you have the courage to focus in on your facial lines, post it for the world to see, and only cringe a little?  Determining who you really are is a tough business, but apparently recession proof because it is a line of work that just never seems to slow down or waiver.    I have gotten lost a few times meandering along this winding path towards "me".  I have felt at times like the Cowardly Lion muttering "C-C-C-Courage" while pushing myself forward.  There have been times I truly have not recognized myself and wondered how I could have gotten so lost.  Oh to have an internal GPS system when it's really needed...hello 40's.

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."  One of my favorite quotes because it rings true to me.  Maybe you  are ALWAYS "who you really are"...at that moment in time.  Maybe you adore, or you can barely tolerate you...at that moment in time.  And maybe the courage is in recognizing when you are off course and adjusting your sails...at that moment in time.  I've come to realize "who you really are" isn't a stagnant goal or finish line.  It's always morphing into new shapes and forms throughout your life.  Which is a good thing.  I mean, that's one particular race I'm not eager to finish.

At this point, I'm kinda liking myself and where I am.  It's smooth sailing...I'm glad to see my 40's in the rear-view mirror (altho, not so glad to leave smooth wrinkle-free skin there).  And I'm looking forward to seeing "who I really am" will be in the years to come.  And I'm even excited to see what kind of C-C-C-Courage I'm gonna need to muster.   I don't need a Wizard to pin a Medal of Valor on me to validate "who I really am".  BUT...I'm thinking MAYBE those red ruby heels would do the trick.

Happy Monday!


--Kathy

23 comments:

  1. As I say, aging is part of life and for now it beats the alternative. You are gorgeous...don't forget it. Nice post

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  2. Yep, getting older does take courage, heck, just looking in the mirror sometimes takes tremendous courage. Sometimes I think I don't want any mirrors, because my brain tricks what my heart feels into something that is not always pleasant. Wonderful post Kathy, and as always, I love your selfie!!

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  3. So profound and so well written here, Kathy! You are an amazing person and photographer!

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  4. Well written! And those red ruby heels, you go girl!
    Thank you for your inspirational words!
    Blessings & joys coming your way :)
    Pia xx

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  5. This totally resonates with me . . . you have articulated your thoughts here so well. Grab those red ruby heels and go for it, girl. You are amazing and delightful.

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  6. You rock...honestly, you have such a wonderful way of expressing yourself, somehow managing to describe MY thoughts at the same time. A GPS for navigating the 40ies...what I wouldn't do for one of those! You're giving me hope that I'll actually make it through...and that it'll end up getting easier :) And, you're beautiful...facial lines and all.

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  7. What a great selfie! I could use some red ruby slippers about right now for sure. Sounds like you're in a pretty good spot at the moment, and have so many things to look forward to in the years to come!

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  8. What a fabulous post! Oh, if we all could have an internal GPS to help guide us through life. Wouldn't that be great?! And every girl needs ruby-red heels. :-)

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  9. SOOOOOO well said. What is about smooth skin that we think is needed to validate us? Is it the unofficial symbol of youth? You and I are SO on the same page....It takes courage to be confident in who we are...at this moment in time. Love this selfie Kathy. You are beautiful and I don't think any less of anyone just because of a few lines here and there!!!

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  10. What a poignant post...I love your honesty, and the e.e. cummings quote is also one of my all-time favorites! I turned 50 a few months ago, and I have to say, I enjoy entering this new decade! Your self-portrait is wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing both your image and your thoughts. You're so right that we continue to evolve...it never ends, does it?

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  11. i am 53 and i finally know who i am, what i love and what i want. i am completely comfortable with my lines, my wrinkles and my expanding waistline!!

    beautiful thoughts and photo!!

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  12. With age, one of the hardest things to realize is that you haven't worked as hard as you could have to be the kind of person that you can wholly accept. You self portriat is a good way to check in with how satisfied you are with how you're living your life.

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  14. " I have gotten lost a few times meandering on this winding path towards me" - so well expressed , your whole post was but that line hit me. Such an honest and in my mind accurate post , so pleased that you are in a place where you appear happy with your sense of self.

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  15. Simply awesome words, Kathy - we are all so human and we do make mistakes but they don't make us. Love the SP!

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  16. Ah yes, the ruby slippers............. there's no place like home. And of course it is the one place you can (or should be able to) truly be yourself.
    Thought-provoking post, Kathy.

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  17. What a great post.. I can so relate to your words here.. You are so good at these selfie shots. I love this one!

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  18. Great selfie shot! love the words to go with it :)

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  19. My 40's are about to hit the rearview this year too. Cccccourage indeed. Sometimes I notice two elderly ladies out for coffee when I'm with my best and say "that's us in 30 years, or 20". I guess we have to just go with the flow. I really like this image. Great crop and I think you are far more judging of it than anyone else. I ain't looking for lines, I just see a great shot.

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  20. This quote really rings true for me. I am having a hard time with the whole aging process.

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  21. great selfie. I am so critical of myself. it's hard to take self portraits!

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  22. Oh dear, I can truly relate to seeing ourselves age but at the same time feeling at different age inside. Nice picture indeed. Good job and great words.

    Warm regards,
    Karla

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