This week, I decided to update my profile picture on Facebook. I swapped out the delightful snapshot of my two kids in their festive outfits for a close-up of just me — my professional headshot.
Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the big deal?” Well, let me explain: for me, this seemingly minor change was a nerve-wracking experience. I’ve always used family photos or images featuring my children, where I’m often just a blur in the background.
The motivation behind this shift was my recent pivot towards using Facebook more for professional networking instead of personal sharing. I wanted my profile to represent my brand. Logically, it made perfect sense. Emotionally, however, it was daunting. Transitioning from a cute family photo to a solo image of myself made me feel vain and self-conscious.
Before making the change, I even searched for a way to update my profile picture without it appearing in my friends’ News Feeds. I didn’t want anyone to notice or comment. Isn’t that a bit sad?
As I grappled with these emotions, I realized how unfortunate it is to feel apprehensive about being seen. The fear of appearing confident or proud of oneself can be overwhelming. So, I took the plunge and updated my profile. Sure enough, people noticed, liked, and commented. And you know what? It was just fine. But that initial panic I felt? That’s what really troubled me.
For many of us, especially mothers, feeling ashamed to be visible or to embrace our identities is common. We’re constantly navigating the challenges of motherhood, striving to find our footing amid the self-doubt and the judgment from others. It’s normal to feel hesitant about being seen while we’re figuring things out.
However, confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have; it’s something you pursue. You must actively choose to embrace it, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. It’s similar to stepping off a ledge, knowing you might feel the drop in your stomach, but trusting you’ll be caught safely.
Changing your profile picture might seem trivial, but it’s a significant step toward self-acceptance and confidence. So, the next time you see a fellow mom updating her profile with a picture of herself, take a moment to acknowledge her courage. Be the support that uplifts her in this journey.
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In summary, embracing your identity and building confidence can often feel challenging, especially as mothers. Small actions like updating a profile picture can lead to greater self-acceptance and visibility.