I Need to Get Over Being Vain

Post it anyway

Adele posted a picture of me today - one that had cracked us up in the van as we skimmed the photos from the 14-mile hike to the base of Torres del Paine (yes, I’m proud of that snowy hike). “Delete it,” I said, post our Patagonia trip, as we co-worked over the phone. My wide, laughing open mouth (we laughed a lot that trip), had prompted Adele to call it donkey face (in the most loving way).

So, why did she post it? She said she was tired of my Miss Universe poses in front of ever-changing gorgeous scenery (like the above). Yes, besides laughing together, we speak truthfully. We also honor each other’s feelings and wishes, so she deleted donkey face.

But as she explained how much she loves seeing real photos of real people, I got it. Not just her point, but that I am attached to the curated, prettier version of myself. I let her re-post it, not without some negotiating (she had to agree to me posting pics she doesn’t like).

I need to get over this vanity. Why is that I am only ok with being seen a certain way, especially when donkey face is so me? My laugh, humor, and ability to find an absurd range of things funny, are way more attractive than my smiling face. Now that isn’t vain, that is self-love. And it’s a hell of a lot more satisfying for me, and I have a feeling for you, too, or at least more refreshing.

To see the photo that caused the tiff, visit our Jane Ain’t Done Yet Instagram page or my personal Facebook page. Thank you!