In confronting the things about ourselves that we want to change, we must peel back the layers of behavior patterns and mental wiring that has crystalized in our brains over time. We can start with the symptoms, facing the aspects of our lifestyles and personalities that invade our daily lives. But that is only the first layer. Before we can truly heal from the things that have happened to us, we must process our past by reflecting on how we felt at the time and then reflect on how we feel about ourselves today. Then we should find a comfortable space in which we can express ourselves to others, to hear ourselves telling our stories and receive vindication, understanding, support, forgiveness, and acceptance.
This photo series represents the self-reflection that can trigger our healing response, allowing us to see the beauty within ourselves that we sometimes overlook, misperceive, or simply reject.
I challenge you all to look at your uncomfortable memories from the past, to self reflect, and to share your experiences with others. You will start to feel better almost immediately.
When we first start to look inward, we may feel lost, alone, or estranged from our own emotions.