The Day Instagram Made Me Cry #LoveMyLaughLines

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Love My Laugh Lines Project, embracing the beauty of aging gracefully.

I shared this photo along with some of my thoughts on Instagram late one night a couple weeks ago. I woke up to a flood of truly amazing comments (that made me cry!) and that inspired me to begin the #lovemylaughlines project.

I spent last week at a photography workshop and as homework for the first session, I was asked to journal about myself and who I am. Then, brace yourself, take a self portrait (with the real camera) that represents that AND print the photo (8×10 size) and bring it with me for the first session.

I thought about it a bit and almost didn’t do it. That’s when I realized that I am no longer that person. The person I am now is not worried about what people think. I actually like the lines on my face because they are proof of laughter. I didn’t edit my photo to smooth any wrinkles. I’m comfortable in my skin for the first time in my life and that amazes me. I think aging works for me.

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It’s been a long time coming, but I am happy to be me. The body isn’t perfect, the face has plenty of lines, but I refuse to allow that to define who I am. This is me and I choose to LIKE me. I’ve decided to embrace aging and all the freedom that gives me. I’m happier now than I ever was as a self-conscious younger adult.

Life is simply more fun with less self-judgement and more laughter. So, bring on the laugh lines because I want to spend the rest of my life grinning.

My friend Rebecca and I are collaborating on the #lovemylaughlines project and we would love to see your laugh lines too. Tag a selfie or self portrait on Instagram with the hashtag to share your smile with us!

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Mary Younkin

Mary Younkin

Hi, I’m Mary. I’m the author, cook, photographer, and travel lover behind the scenes here at Barefeet In The Kitchen. I'm also the author of three cookbooks dedicated to making cooking from scratch as simple as possible.

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  1. Patty Gale says

    Absolutely beautiful! I can totally imagine being hesitant to do that and so glad you moved past it. It's totally inspirational for me as I've been working through similar issues myself… aging, laugh lines, etc. I promised myself that this is the year I was going to be much more relaxed and choosing not to care what other think, too. Thanks so much for sharing!

  2. Magnolia Verandah says

    You are to be commended and happy that you are comfortable with who you are, although I don't know why you would be otherwise because you have a perfectly lovely friendly, very attractive face, nothing wrong with aging or lines especially laugh lines.

  3. Anonymous says

    I love that picture of you….today is the first time I've seen it.
    I love that you didn't get "all made up" for it ….
    You're beautiful….
    Aging has its own rewards….
    Rock On, Sister !!!
    ~ Sandra

  4. Barbara says

    Good for you! I, like you, used to let people make me cry, and I too was very self conscious about my appearance. Now, as I'm aging, I say… phooey on all that nonsense. I am who I am. I don't need to impress anyone but myself, and even then, only when I want to. Life is too darn short. Please do continue to enjoy every moment and laugh as much and as often as you possibly can. I love it when I can laugh at myself and be so darn comfortable with that. Strange isn't it, how time, age, experiences and circumstances change you. I'm so happy for you that you aren't afraid to be yourself, because you are one of the most beautiful people in the world. Life truly is a short ride. Give it all you got and just keep smiling and laughing. Whoever doesn't like it is just a sour pickle. 🙂
    Keep smiling. Be happy always.

  5. Anonymous says

    I agree with on the lines and I'm 71 and don't care who knows it. Your lines show that you love life and live it to the fullest. Like they say, Live, Love, and Laugh.

  6. Nancy says

    I ment to mention that laugh lines are an evidence of how happy a person is.
    The more laughter the more l,ines.
    Happy Life. Nancy