PEEKABOO! Mommy, I See You3 Ways to See You How You Hope Others Do

Peekaboo: a game that teaches children others still exist even when they aren’t seen; a child’s reminder that whenever they think of you, they think of how friendly, funny, and endlessly entertaining you are. That image of you from behind their hands is like the captured art of photography. And there is nothing like that perfect picture...

Hair: right. Makeup: flawless. Ensemble: complimenting your body like it was designed and cut only for you. Everything on you: working from head to toe. The photographer is framing, filling, and focusing to achieve that masterpiece of a "unified whole,” making the camera lens catch you at just the right angle - with just the right composition - so the image isn't speaking volumes. It's screaming, “CONFIDENCE! BEAUTY! POISE! VIBRANCE! JOY!” Saying, “YES! That's right! Here I am! SEE ME!!”

And when you share it, that's what you receive.

"You look AWESOME... AMAZING... GORGEOUS...STUNNING...WOOOOOW..." But I know I'm not the only mom who’s studied a photograph like this thinking of all those great qualities, only to catch a glimpse in the mirror of baggy eyes, uneven skin, messy hair; sweatpants, a coffee-decorated Tee, and fuzzy slippers thinking, "That is definitely not me today."

Mommies, some of us (and you know I'm just talking to myself) would nearly die if someone snapped such a candid photo and shared it publicly. But the question is why? If when we think of ourselves, we see our truth, then why shouldn't we share our "less than perfect" moments with the world?

Would the world say,

"Whew girl, are you OK? You must be goin’ through some things. Rough day?”

Or would it see the confidence, beauty, poise, vibrance, and joy dripping off you, just the same?

Believe it or not, some people will see what you see. Some people will see what you don't. The important question is, are YOU able to see YOU the way you HOPE they do ALL THE TIME?

As solo moms, we’re not always “jazzied up.” Whether in the boardroom or the living room, at the courthouse or in the greenhouse; on the dance floor or just scrubbing the floor, every MOM-ent is different. And while we sometimes dress for the occasion, we're always clothed in greatness! But it's not what's on the outside that makes us.

If you ventured by that mirror right now, what would YOU say you see? If you answering that is challenging, let's take a backdoor through your mind to get to your sight.

In photography, forming a frame by blocking off part of the image brings attention directly to the subject. So, what do you need to block off to form a frame around you?

Try embracing the hats you wear. You know WHO you are to others in your life, and there's no question about WHAT you do to, with, or for them. So, use that. As a mom, who are you?

As an employee? A business owner? Friend? Partner?

What abilities can you highlight by framing yourself within your roles? Me? I am an Autism Mom who listens carefully to both what my son says, and what he doesn't say. I SEE A GOOD LISTENER AND OBSERVER.

Filling, in photos, requires you to get in close; to make the subject a significant portion of the final shot. You have to get closer to you. The closer you get, the more detail is exposed. So, lose the titles and actions to dig deeper into your attributes. Ask yourself HOW, and you may unveil yet another quality that was missed while framing.

How did I become a good listener and observer? I learned not to react, but just to take in everything. I’m more reserved in my response.

I SEE CONSIDERATION AND CALM.

Focusing makes the subject the sharpest portion of your image. Typically, a camera lens controls the path of light on the subject giving it its clarity.

In other words, it is through your eyes and your experience how clear you appear, even to others. When you uncover your WHY, you are better able to sharpen not just who you are but how you see yourself. And that clarity will give others a better understanding of you.

Why am I calm and considerate? I learned it was more important to be slow to speak, realizing my other senses, particularly my sight, were heightened. So, not only can I hear without judgment, I can experience what words don't express.

I SEE EMPATHY AND PERCEPTIVENESS.

SO, WHEN I THINK OF ME, I SEE someone who is open, understanding, considerate, calm, empathetic, and perceptive. I get all that from the image of an "Autism Mom who listens and observes."

WHEN YOU THINK OF YOU, YOU SEE WHO?

Mommy, get out of your head and get into the heart of you. Are you funny, witty, or brainy? Do you laugh loudly, speak softly, or smile brightly? What does it mean that you're a good friend? Are you reliable? Are you a great listener? Are you there for others through thick and thin? What does it mean to be patient? Are you even-tempered? Do you find joy in waiting?

These are the different parts that together make you uniquely you. Your composition. There is no limit to what, how or why you may be, BUT you must be willing to see you as more than what you hope others do. Seeing yourself doesn't allow you to BE yourself. You DO that! Seeing yourself helps you to esteem yourself, accept yourself, and love yourself AS YOURSELF. Mommies, say cheese! Framed, filled, and focused on being You!

Peekaboo! You see you too!

I am your SELF Coach, Tiffany Shoemaker, helping solo moms overcome limitations, insecurities, and expectations through increased self-awareness for empowerment beyond motherhood. Are you ready to STAND EMPOWERED and LIVE FREELY? Let’s talk! Click the link and schedule your call today! https://talktoTiffany.as.me