In Defense of Selfies

When people think of selfies they think of self-absorbed millennials willing to desecrate ancient ruins to get a perfect Instagram photo. They think of duck lips, staged photos, and “likes”. 

It’s true to an extent, as some people these days even make a living based solely on selfie. People have even died trying to get the perfect shot, sometimes using selfie sticks as an accomplice. 

I used to be one of those people who looked at this seemingly narcissistic trend with disgust. To me it represented everything that was wrong with our culture of “Me”. That was until I got a new perspective and realized I could benefit from a little selfie love. 

Right after I had my son I, like most women, experienced a drop in my self-esteem like I had never had. Before baby I had a flat stomach and after I was left with the infamous pooch. As I tended to my baby instead of focusing on my gym schedule, I instead focused on working out my mind and soul. 

A fan of January Harshe and her blog and the Birth Without Fear movement, I loved her unapologetic selfies. She posted without makeup, right after waking up, when she felt awesome, and when she felt crummy. I looked at my dwindling self-esteem and decided to take it back. My way to taking it back? In addition to the endorphins and alone time my gym visits provided, selfies. 

IMG_8275Recently I decided to jump back on the selfie wagon. Granted, usually the only time I can get a picture with my son is through Snapchat or a selfie, so I also used it as a way to document our days. Moms are usually the ones photographing everything and are often excluded from many family pictures. I took control of that and added my face to our memories with selfies.

 

I also made a special folder in my pictures app designated for these photos. On the days I get down about myself I open that folder and scroll through the photos of myself fresh faces or with makeup, in tip top shape or with a few extra pounds, with my family and without. 

I find power in acknowledging my beauty in all forms. And you know what? I’ve seen results. My inner dialogue is becoming more positive by the day and I have an entire folder full of the proof. 

So I’m challenging you mamas to turn the camera view around and channel your inner Kardashian. Snap when you’re feeling sexy and snap when you’re feeling anything but. Snap when you wake up and in the middle of a workout. Show your kid that you (and they) are beautiful covered in foundation or in sweat. IMG_8019

Selfies aren’t just for the self absorbed; they are for the self aware, the wounded, and the confident. Now, I challenge you to take back your selfie!

Previous articleGetting In Shape After Baby: 3 Things You Can Do Now
Next articleWhat’s it Like to be a Blogger?
Brittany Branyon
Brittany Branyon calls Auburn home, but has lived abroad and across the US - totaling 10 moves in 7 years. She lives with her son Jude, fiance Rick, dog Patton, and cat Oona. In a perfect world Brittany would spend her days gardening, whipping up happiness in the kitchen, and perusing farmers markets. Besides her family, the things Brittany loves most are international travel (she's up to 22 countries), experiencing unfamiliar cultures, and photography. If you want to be her best friend, simply make her a homemade gift or provide her with Ethiopian cuisine.