Self-Portrait Challenge - Introduction # 1

This is me. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend.

I am casual, relaxed, and down-to-earth. I'm usually barefooted, and I'm normally dressed like I am in this picture.

My hair is naturally curly, which is also very "me". Although I'd be lying if I said I haven't wished for smooth, straight hair on more than one occasion, I will say that my curls fit my personality perfectly. Like my curls, I go in many different directions. With the exception of my ability to tell it to you straight, there is nothing else straight about me. I am open-minded and free. So I love my curls because they fit me. Sometimes the curls are tight and frizzy and positively unmanageable. I'm OK with that, because I'm all of those things too sometimes. Sometimes the curls are virtually non-existant, and are limp, lifeless and boring. I'm OK with that too because I'm all of those things too sometimes. But often, my curls are fun and springy and relaxed. And those are the days I feel most like me.

This squatting position is also very "me". I have an almost 3-year-old and an almost 5-year-old. I am in this position often, since I pretty much live my life at their level. Some would say my mentality is at their level too. And I'm OK with that. Life is short and no one appreciates life more than children. I believe we should all get down at their level and try to recapure some of that youth.

Although reaching for the sky is always a good thing, keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground is an even better one. Some people prefer to leap and jump and fly, their feet on the ground as little as possible. But that's not me. Instead, I squat. I like the security that comes with bending down, with all of me as close to the ground as possible, ready to reach out a hand and brace myself if I should start to fall. I don't like the risks the flyers take. How their scenery is always changing and how they could fall at any minute. Instead, I like to establish my position in my life and in my family and then hold my ground, staying in that position for as long as possible. I'm a squatter.

My nose is a bit crooked due to a freak trampoline accident during my freshman year of college, but I'm OK with that. It gives me character, right?

My smile is crooked. It always has been. It used to bother me. But then I realized that life is not perfect. I am not perfect. And I'm OK with that. Perfect is boring.

I am comfortable with who I am. Sure, there are things I might change about myself, but for the most part, I'm cool with who I've become. I have a crooked face and a not-so-flat belly. I'm addicted to nicotene, I love my Miller Lite, my fingernails and toenails are never painted (and often dirty), I often don't wear makeup, and I have cellulite on my ass. And I'm OK with that. Because I have embraced all of those things about myself and I have squatted. This is where I am in my life, and this is what makes me me.

This is me and I'm OK with that.