I wanted to start this post by saying that I am extremely happy that I had my surgery and am thrilled with the results so far. However in the interest of writing a completely honest blog about my experiences, I'll admit that sometimes I look in the mirror and do not see any changes at all - or I scrutinise my appearance so much, like I am purposely looking for something to be wrong.
Why am I doing this to myself?
A good friend of mine who used to be overweight, told me that even when she lost her extra weight she still looked in the mirror and saw an overweight person, even though she physically was not. She explained that I am probably in the same frame of mind. On the outside I have changed - but on the inside I am still the same person with the same insecurities. Now that I have changed physically, the next step is to work on the emotional change and learn to love my reflection.
This was a real light bulb moment for me and it really made me think about the way I look at myself.
Throughout this whole journey, people have had different ideas about why I would choose to go through such invasive surgery. My family and close friends know about my insecurities in terms of how I look, while others presumed my reasons were based solely on vanity. All of these opinions are absolutely valid, but very few people (even those mentioned) know just how deep and how far back my insecurities go. I'm not writing this post for sympathy - I'm simply recognising it as a part of who I am and working on my self perception.
Anyway, it's just a quick update for now. Feel free to leave me a comment - and if you've had this surgery, how has it affected the way you see yourself?
How we see ourselves and how we feel about ourselves can change on a daily basis. For you my lovely son Andrew I see a caring sensitive honest and loving person who will be the same person no matter what he sees in the mirror. If I could give a gift it would be to see ourselves as others see us and for you Andrew the picture would always shine.
ReplyDelete^^^ I have the best dad in the world ^^^
DeleteHi mate, i'm on the same boat as you are so I totally understand what you're saying, re. not noticing that you have actually changed. Since early November my palatal expander started to work so fast that I have almost 1 cm gap on the canines area and even so I keep saying I can't see any changes. My partner goes mad about it and one of my friends says I look like a different person all together with a jaw like this. What a funny thing is the mind aye. But don't worry, this passes, I'm sure. One thing I'm constantly told is "stop looking" "give it a break" - I've been practicing and trying to look at my teeth only when I have to wash my mouth after a meal or so. when I have a look after many hours (12hrs or so) I kind of have a surprise at my own image, is so funny. but it seems to work! Cheers man. All the best.
ReplyDeleteHey Andy,
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel now? I really hope you are happy with your new look.
I was inspired by your experience and have my braces too.