Unmasked, Week 3: Almost There.

Hey, guys.

Welcome to the third week of being unmasked.  How does it feel?
I can say it feels like a whole mix of things.

1. Awesome, because I don't have to worry about anything.  Whell, except for maybe my cheeks/lips being too red.  OH and I also have more time in the mornings in terms of getting ready XD

2. Nerve wracking.  You're letting your guard down completely and praying people won't give you weird looks or think things like "oh... I thought you were prettier..." I know that just sounded SO superficial, but... those people are out there, and they really do tear down your self esteem.  It's annoying. I want to just cover it up sometimes, make it go away and then, maybe just then, after it's all done and put together, you can stand back and fit in.  But right now, it's all about breaking standards.  Which is part of the reason why this feels so

3. Liberating.  Apparently, according to some people, I look "different".  I'm still "Stephanie, but in a genuine special way".  I like that.  I am a raw version of me.  Raw, real and ready for anything.

Speaking of which, here's this week's picture (:

One thing I've learned from this whole endeavor... I'm feeling it.  Definitely starting to feel it.  After going all this time with my guard down... Not only am I saving money (ha), but I'm getting to terms with who I am.  It may have taken a while, but... I have seen that I can just be me without all the extras.  I don't need a layer of foundation to appear confident and feel my best.  I don't automatically look in the mirror any more, after of week of maybe wearing a ton of stuff and when I don't have it on... feel totally bare and dissatisfied with what I see.  I am loving the skin I'm in, and it feels good.  I'd like to say that by the end of the four weeks, I'll have completely slashed the insecurities, and slashed any cares about what people think about appearances.  I'd like to think I'll also have a wider view... a wider appreciation... for just girls in general...

Why do we struggle so much with appearances and acceptance and judging?   Why do we judge harshly off appearances?  Even if we don't even know the people?

In a way, I wish some of my peers could take this challenge... Things just might change.  Things just might get better...  because it's not fair.  Some people just get so devastated...

So I hope, that by the end of this month, if any of you have taken the challenge with me...
That you feel like I do.  That you feel like you don't have to cover up.  That you're perfect the way you are.  Keep it up!  You're almost there (:

xoxo