Friend Friday: Body Image

This week's Modly Chic's questions are really interesting, so read on and don't forget to check out other people's answers as well.

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?

I wouldn't say that for myself. Not really. Change in self-image for me started a year ago, before I started blogging. It was the beginning of January 2010 when I realized I had two months left to work my butt off before I get to see my high school classmates after more than 10 years. I was at my heaviest and I needed to lose at least 10 lbs. When we finally got to meet, I only managed to lose 5, but that triggered the whole quest of getting back into shape. It was for a silly reason in the beginning, but that changed my lifestyle and introduced me to a healthier, leaner me. I just kept on eating right, exercising 2-3 times a week and the pounds just kept shedding. Now, I've lost 15 lbs. so far. Call me vain and shallow, but I do think I look sexy now hehehe... The blog world was then strange to me and I had no idea there were a lot of fashion blogs out there. Call me a techie dinosaur LOL. I am pretty active on facebook and in June 2010, started an album called Everyday @ Work, where I would post my daily outfits at work, Monday to Friday. I thought it was an original idea back then LOL.

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?

I don't consciously avoid talking about it, nor do I really want to talk about it. Not so much that I really hate that part of my body so much it consumes my life. It's because when I do mention it, people always have the reaction of "What the hell are you talking about? I don't see it!". The way I see it, we are all our own worst critics, and yes, they may not see it, but I do see it. Every single day.

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?

The outlook is not that great for me, unfortunately. I don't plan on Sofia being an only child so this "sexy" image I have of myself is not going to last long. The good part is, I know that if I've done it once, I can do it again. As soon as I pop out a sister or brother for Sofia, I'm going to need to work hard on getting that "sexy" back again.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?

I so do photograph myself for my blog. If I don't, who else would do it? I don't feel like waiting for my husband to come home. I want to change into my jammies as soon as I get home. So the daily routine is, take my photos right after I walk into the door, then change. I actually love taking photographs, although not in the "photography" sense of way. I like taking photographs purely for documentation. I couldn't care less how nice the photos turn out to be. I only care that I have that photo to remind me of that moment.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?

Fall in love with yourself over and over again - for all its imperfections and perfections. Remember what it's like when you first met that special someone in your life? How you were willing to go to great lengths to have him/her? Give that same zealous attitude towards yourself. If you do, you will do anything to achieve the best body image you potentially have. On the other hand, let's not lose sight of the fact that the term "body image" is really relative to the person concerned. If a positive body image for me was being 20 lbs. heavier, that's fine too. Nothing wrong with that!