Which made me feel very unattractive. Actually, ugly would be more accurate. This had a huge impact on my self-image and self-confidence as I entered the 9th grade.
But I had hope that things would change because my sister, who’s two years older than me, got contact lenses after her sophomore year in high school. In our family the age that she (the first-born) got permission to do things was significant. I’d be able to get contact lenses, too, but not until I completed my sophomore year. That’s how it worked.
So I endured the first two years of high school, and finally, my day arrived.
It was like a miracle when I saw the world clearly without glasses for the first time in seven years. I looked in the mirror and no longer saw a gawky girl staring back at me.
Then I started getting compliments about my beautiful eyes – people had not been able to see them behind those thick lenses. Or maybe I had been more timid about having eye contact. Whatever the reason, my self-image was transformed in just a few short months.
I felt different inside and started acting with more confidence and assurance. I expanded my beliefs about what was possible academically and socially. I became president of the Keyette Club my senior year and won a faculty award for outstanding contributions at graduation.
Of course, I don’t tie all of my accomplishments in high school to getting contact lenses. It’s not that simple. And yet, it’s important to recognize how your perception of yourself affects the way you see the world and operate in it.
I’m betting you have some limiting beliefs about yourself today that can be traced back to your youth. An adult whose opinion mattered to you said something – whether an off-handed comment or a continual barrage of criticism – that has stuck with you. Or maybe, like me, you felt unattractive or inferior due to a physical limitation. The impact could have been profound in affecting your thoughts and your behavior.
It’s worth taking time to think about the attitudes and beliefs you have about things from your past and determine if they are true now – or if they were ever true. You may be putting yourself in an imaginary box that doesn’t exist in reality. And the way to break free is to be willing to take a long, hard look at the thoughts you’ve accepted and ask:
“Is this really true?”
“What evidence do I have to support this thought?”
“What evidence do I have to refute it?"
"What do I want to DO about this?”
It takes courage and effort to examine long-held beliefs, but the freedom you’ll feel afterwards is worth it. And you’ll likely discover that you’re capable of much more than you ever thought possible.
"An individual's self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change. A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life." - Joyce Brothers, American psychologist (1925- )"
I can certainly relate to your story of contacts. I started needing corrective lenses in second grade, but I got contacts right before school started in 9th grade. I also can relate to the "timing" aspect, although in my situation, I was the big sister. I have also carried that tradition to my daughter for not only contacts, but ear piercing. I'm not sure if you ever watch TLC's What Not to Wear, but every week there is a new person who through the instructions on dressing his or her body type, hair cut and makeup (maybe new glasses too), has confessed at the end of the week they feel more confident and self assured and are ready for more...dating, responsibility at work, new adventures.
ReplyDeleteVery nice........
ReplyDeleteI can know about your mind at that time, i think now you are so happy. Ya contact lenses have changed many people life.
I started wearing glasses at age 6. At the time, I was excited about that. My best friend wore glasses, and I got a pair just like hers (though I had to get a different color because of availability). But my eyes worsen each year, and by the time I was 14, my glasses were rather thick. I was then excited when a doctor told my parents "I STRONGLY recommend contact lenses." Trying that first lense on, and seeing my unspectacled visage in the mirror, was magical and memorable. Over 35 years have passed, and I still remember that experience.
ReplyDeleteThat same year, I lost weight and got braces. Neither of these were connected to the contact lenses, but all three helped me gain confidence. I WANTED my braces, because I had buck teeth. I went from a shy, dumpy-looking girl to an outgoing, attractive (so I've been told) young woman. I learned to speak up and stand up for myself. I also learned that I have value as a person. I'm worthwhile :-)
I started wearing glasses at age 6. At the time, I was excited about that. My best friend wore glasses, and I got a pair just like hers (though I had to get a different color because of availability). But my eyes worsen each year, and by the time I was 14, my glasses were rather thick. I was then excited when a doctor told my parents "I STRONGLY recommend contact lenses." Trying that first lense on, and seeing my unspectacled visage in the mirror, was magical and memorable. Over 35 years have passed, and I still remember that experience.
ReplyDeleteThat same year, I lost weight and got braces. Neither of these were connected to the contact lenses, but all three helped me gain confidence. I WANTED my braces, because I had buck teeth. I went from a shy, dumpy-looking girl to an outgoing, attractive (so I've been told) young woman. I learned to speak up and stand up for myself. I also learned that I have value as a person. I'm worthwhile :-)
I've actually noticed that glasses are becoming trendy. The cool kids at school wear them. Nonetheless, some people still suffer from confidence issues because of the glasses. Contacts can definitely help those that are suffering from that lack of confidence. Are there particular brands that you would recommend? http://www.bassriveroptometrics.com
ReplyDelete