In a post about parenting, and post-baby body changes, an author of the blog House of White said that she had a change of heart with regards to one photograph that she initially avoided sharing online.
Olivia White, a 28-year-old mother from Melbourne, Australia, hesitated to share a candid beach photograph with her daughter. At first glance, the image of Olivia and her young toddler on the sandy beach seemed innocent enough. However, Olivia had a compelling reason for not wanting the photo to be seen by the rest of the world.
Despite her reluctance, Olivia eventually posted the picture on her Instagram page. Instead of hiding her insecurities, she decided to use the opportunity to open up about her struggles with body image, even though many consider her a traditionally beautiful woman.
“I refrained from posting this photo during our vacation because I couldn’t stand how my stomach appeared,” she confessed. “Attempting to develop self-confidence and maintain a positive outlook on my appearance is not as simple as flipping a switch and suddenly being completely at ease with oneself.”
Olivia, a successful and attractive woman, continues to grapple with body issues like so many others.
“It’s a day-to-day process, with good days and bad days… But giving up is not an option, especially when little eyes are watching you.”
Mustering her courage, Olivia posted the “unflattering” photograph featuring her and her 22-month-old daughter, Teddy. As a blogger who runs the site House of White, she shared the image to encourage other mothers to feel confident in themselves.
“Remind yourself daily that you are amazing, regardless of what others or your own mind might try to deceive you into believing,” she advised. “This captured moment between my daughter and me is beautiful, a memory I want to cherish forever, and nothing can tarnish that.”
While Olivia believed she was helping fellow mothers by sharing her story, she was met with some negative reactions. However, some people recognized her effort to promote self-confidence and appreciation.
“I wanted to remind you all of something incredibly important,” she continued. “When I shared my beach photo the other day, I was amazed by the responses from other moms who sympathized with feeling the same way about themselves in photos. Many admitted they had not kept or posted pictures because they disliked their appearance.”
“Some individuals, naturally, didn’t have the kindest words to say. And some reminded me that I am fortunate to have those images at all – and they are absolutely right.”
A heart-wrenching comment from a mother in the United States put Olivia’s body issues into perspective.
“A mom in the US, who had just lost her two eldest sons, aged 18 and 20, in a car accident that month, reached out to me,” Olivia recalled. “She urged me not to worry about my appearance in these photos because she deeply regretted having so few pictures with her children for the very same reason. My heart shattered into a million pieces for her. Tears filled my eyes, and at that moment, the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. While this woman’s story is unique, many of us often lament not being in pictures because we’re the ones taking them. And when we finally appear in one, we scrutinize our appearance and don’t even keep the photo.”
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