I have hidden emotionally behind make-up ever since I was allowed to wear it. I had always had problem skin as a teen that caused huge insecurity for me. As I grew older I think it became more of a mask to symbolically hide my emotions, hiding anxiety, insecurity, depression. I go no where without my make up. When I heard about the No Make Up Series I knew it was a challenge I needed, not one that I wanted. As a business owner, music therapist, and licensed mental health counselor, I always have to appear like I "have it together".
So I went, hiding behind a smile and BB Cream which I was asked to wipe off. I took my photo with a familiar object to help calm my nerves (guitalele) and left. I cried the rest of the day. Authentic self-love is a battle worth fighting. We owe it to our children and teens to show them it's worth the fight. Loving oneself shouldn't be a privilege, or earned, it comes with living. You are beautiful, you have a purpose, and it's to be you, authentically.