self portrait tuesday: know me
Since the Self Portrait Tuesday blog has been completely remodeled and relaunched, this month’s theme is “Introduce Yourself”. So, hi. This is me.
This is probably my favorite self portrait I’ve done, because I think it really captures how I see myself. Mysterious, but not in a dark way. Soft around the edges. Intent.
I love these self portrait challenges because my life is always so wrapped up in caring for my family, this gives me an opportunity to slow down and focus on myself for a moment. I get to think about who I am deep down, under this mantle of motherhood. I discover more about myself with each challenge, and it’s been a very useful and thought-provoking exercise for me.
And now a question for my readers: how do you guys keep in contact with the you that’s inside? Especially you mothers, how do you hold on to the person you are apart from your family? How do you not lose yourself?
Beauty! Love it.
Comment by Lena — May 2, 2006 @ May 2, 2006 at 10:25 pm
That’s a great picture.
I actually just commented about this same subject on another blog (early this morning — after a bout of insomnia). I think blogging does help me to keep in touch with the “me” that’s separate from mom, wife, worker. It’s time I spend for myself and when I write I explore things that bother me, make me happy, or memories that I want to keep close. It can be a form of relaxation and/or stress release. It works for me.
Comment by Nancy — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 1:59 am
That is a fabulous photo!
Comment by Rhonda — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 5:18 am
I LOVE THAT PICTURE OF YOU!!!!!!
It’s hard when you have little ones that are so dependant upon you to remember that you were once an individual yourself. I found myself so many times forgetting to take care of me and getting so completely strung out from constant caring for others. I think it’s so important to find that time during the week that is JUST YOURS. Bubble bath in the evening after kids are in bed, taking a walk all by yourself, enjoying coffee with a friend….just like you schedule everything else in your life, schedule time for you!
Comment by Queen Beth — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 5:38 am
Great photo of yourself! As for me, I think I regularly lose myself. I have to step back every once in awhile and remember that I am not just their mom and his wife.
Comment by Theresa — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 5:40 am
I’ve really struggled with this lately. I’ve let go of many of the things that used to feed my sould and am now recognizing how important they are. Blogging has really helped me tap into that creative part of myself again and that feels really good. There is much still to do…I need to find time to bring music back into my life, time for reading and time to journal.
Comment by Vikki — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 6:25 am
” how do you guys keep in contact with the you that’s inside?”
Well I’m not a mom - but I say by just spending time alone and asking myself questions. Sometimes I don’t have the answers, but sometimes I’m suprised by how much of me I am aware of and where my mind/heart leads me.
Comment by C — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 6:46 am
long hot showers.
and lying awake in bed in the middle of the night listening the the silence.
That’s how I keep hold of me…
Comment by melnel — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 8:23 am
That’s a fabulous picture.
How do I keep in contact with the me that’s inside? I read. I write. I chat with my girlfriends. I go out with my girlfriends whenever I can. I do funky stuff with my hair. I lay in bed and think at night before I go to bed. I try to stay in touch with myself.
Comment by mama_tulip — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 11:39 am
Hello, HOTTIE!
That is AWESOME!
:)
Comment by Heather from One Woman\'s World — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 12:31 pm
That’s a great picture.
This is a great topic. The last couple of years have been about my struggle to find myself. I can easily identifiy myself as a wife and mother, but as an individual? Not as clearcut. I let go of many things that defined me, and that I enjoyed. Writing on my blog, returning to school, and reading great books is how I keep in touch with myself. It’s still a struggle though.
Comment by Melissa — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 1:13 pm
You look like Jodie Foster in that picture, which I love, as I’ve always thought of her as mysterious but in a good way.
Comment by Susan — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 1:40 pm
beautiful image! it’s so dreamy.
i have more opportunity because of time and no kids yet to be in touch with my soul - but unless you have quiet, space, and authenticity - you think you’re in touch when you’re really not.
Comment by dani — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 2:03 pm
I’ll let you know when I figure it out.
BUt the hot showers where I lock myself away for a while help, provided no one is trying to join me. I can’t lock the door or my two-year old will panic. And, this will sound silly, but taking the time to put on moisturizer before getting dressed, and taking a minute to sit down after they are in bed at last, and listening to the voice inside of me when it starts to nag me to pay attention to my own emotional well being.
Comment by carrien — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 2:23 pm
Hi! Long time no visit–that is a gorgeous picture. You look so intent and focused on yourself.
I was just thinking of this today; that mothers should all have a hobby they are passionate about. Whether it’s writing, photography, paiting, scrapbooking, whatever, it’s important to be more than just a mother. And by doing things that make us happy, I truly believe it makes us better moms.
Take the time to care for yourself and your children will be cared for the best possible way because they will have a happy mom who’s not afraid to do something she enjoys.
Comment by Manic Mom — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 6:54 pm
I just don’t lose myself entirely in motherhood. If I don’t take care of me, who will? So, I try hard to stay connected to the person I was before motherood “made me whole”. My mother, although greatly appreciated for her scarifices, did not thrive on motherhood, just barely survived. That’s not gonna be me.
Comment by Lei — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 7:48 pm
i LOVE this pic. and girl, you are so damned pretty.
i’m trying to figure out how to really know myself much less hold on to that. *sigh*
Comment by Sarcomical — May 3, 2006 @ May 3, 2006 at 11:18 pm
That is a great self portrait. I love the slight overexposure and the soft focus. Just fantastic.
Since you take such excellent and creative photos, would you please come see my new idea for a weekly challenge. I think it might be right up your alley.
Comment by OddMix — May 4, 2006 @ May 4, 2006 at 6:24 am
I’ve said it and I’ll say it again: I LOVE YOUR HAIR!!! I WANT your hair. Nobuko (my neighbor) and I were just saying, we’re so gonna get your hair!
Comment by Jenn — May 4, 2006 @ May 4, 2006 at 6:30 am
GORGEOUS photo, you sphyinx you.
I think it is important to always have a part of your day that is yours. When I had little ones, they were in bed by 7:00 and the rest of the evening was mine. Now that my youngest is 13, sometimes that is even more difficult.
I always have at least two or three things that are mine, and I ALWAYS take a class in personal development.
And, I’m 50… that helps too.
Comment by Lianne — May 4, 2006 @ May 4, 2006 at 6:38 am
Fantastic!
Comment by Chris — May 4, 2006 @ May 4, 2006 at 6:47 am
That’s a beautiful picture, Karli.
I maintain a sense of self apart from caregiving by keeping a strict bedtime regimen which frees me to go “off duty” (for the most part) by 8:00pm each night and I keep up with a few hobbies that really enjoy. Having projects that are just mine helps a lot. I also have a group of SAHM friends and we regularly get together for non-mommy time. It’s a lifesaver.
Comment by Karen — May 4, 2006 @ May 4, 2006 at 7:15 am
Me? Who is that?? I get a glimmer every once in a while, but not near enough. Admittedly a struggle.
Comment by Steff — May 4, 2006 @ May 4, 2006 at 6:27 pm
that’s a great picture, really. It does not look posed at all. you look like a movie star!
okay, all true flattering comments aside, what do I do to not lose me in the rush?
I work a night shift for most of the week, so it’s very quiet, and I have time to think, to crochet, to blog, and so it is worth the little less sleep that I get. I find myself to be a much more interesting person when I have time to myself to just do whatever. Whatever I feel like at the time.
Comment by Tess — May 4, 2006 @ May 4, 2006 at 9:01 pm
i love it.
Comment by Steven — May 5, 2006 @ May 5, 2006 at 10:11 pm
A beautiful and enigmatic self-portrait. There is a melancholy sadness here too. Don’t give up hope and find the time to resurrect at least one old dream. When a woman gives birth, there should be a note from the universe: “raising kids can be hazardous to your health” … I salute all of you young moms for your exhausted devotion and honest blogging. This too shall pass, and more quickly than you think.
Peace and grandmotherly hugs, Jenn’s Mom
Comment by the Mater — May 13, 2006 @ May 13, 2006 at 9:21 am
You are so BEAUTIFUL…externally for certain.
Your writing shows the internal exquisiteness of you more than your photos do…although it’s there so clearly as well.
You will be so very much missed. Especially since I took an unannounced hiatus for a month and have just returned myself. At least I can catch up on what I missed with you, without missing more.
I will be in prayer for you. For you and your life and for your return, no matter how sporadic.
Thank you for being here to support so many for so long.
Comment by Tam — May 17, 2006 @ May 17, 2006 at 9:09 am