When we look in the mirror, we see a reflection shaped by our own perceptions—our insecurities, our past experiences, and our self-judgment.
But the way others see us can be entirely different. They see us from a different angle, without the same inner dialogue.
>>>They are looking AT THE PICTURE while we are IN THE PICTURE.
Most times we forget to step out of the frame and see ourselves as others see us. And don’t get me started on social media? We only see a sliver of someone else’s life, carefully curated moments that rarely, if ever reflect the whole picture. It’s just another layer of perception, not reality.
OK, Auntie Gwen, where ya goin’ with all this new age mumbo jumbo stuff? You’re makin’ my brain hurt.
Oops, sorry about that. I know it sounds like fairy dust and unicorns but lean in and really consider what I’ve shared with you today.
You must embrace yourself, warts and all—because the most beautiful version of you is the REAL ONE.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to become better. The purpose of life is to grow and become the best version of ourselves. This never ends.
Remember, what we see on the internet, in others and ourselves isn’t always the full truth. In fact, it rarely is. 
Be kind to yourself and others, because we’re all much more than what’s perceive through the looking glass. 💫
Dr. Gwen Patrone
One Response
Gwen,
Oh so true , how we see ourselves is not always how others see us ! I’ve been aware of this for many years as a professional photographer , most of the time I was paid to flatter and usually succeeded . Most of the time we only see our reflected image but in a photograph we see the alternative view that others see that’s why some photographs can be quite a surprise .
I’m sure we all have bad days as well as good , even fulltime I’m not always convinced about my appearance , it’s only when others have have addressed me as ” her , she or that lady ” that I settle into Teresa mode .
Social media doesn’t give me a problem because apart from Kandi’s Land I don’t use it .