First of all, I guess this is actually Day FIVE. #mathisnotmystrongpoint
I thought of the challenge, posted the first blog post 2 days later, and the actual days of the challenge don’t match up with the number of posts, but what the heck…#whocares #yougetthejist
My 21-Day Self-Adoration Challenge ends on my 49th birthday – December 9th – and THAT is the point. #sothere
OK, that was the mathematical error portion of our show, now to misunderstandings:
I received a comment wondering why I share this kind of personal stuff and saying that it seems like I am looking for some kind of validation through comments and page likes.
Ouch.
I spent some time thinking about that. Is that true for me? Am I looking for external validation? Posting selfies in an effort to get likes and positive comments so I will feel more attractive?
As I have said before, it isn’t about getting comments from others. Those don’t affect me because the issue I have with my body is between me and my body.
It’s not between the public and my body. I don’t feel unhappy because people say mean things to me.
I feel unhappy because I say mean things to me.
Because I am who I am, I try to figure things out. I spend time researching other people with similar issues, I talk to friends about it – and often find I am not alone.
Because I find strength in knowing I am not alone and learning that other women my age share this same dilemma, issue, sickness, self-hatred, delusion #callitwhatyouwill, that makes me think maybe by sharing my story I can help someone else.
Even if it is just reaching one other woman and letting her know she is not alone.
Well, that and I am a writer, blogger, and over-sharer by nature. And I am drawn to other writers who are authentic over-sharers too.
So then, the answer is NO.
I am not seeking validation from others, I am seeking a path to SELF-acceptance.
And I share my struggles because this is how I process things – through research, contemplation, dialogue, sharing, discussion, and the written word.
This is who I am.

Day 5 #nomakeup #nofilter
Authentically and unapologetically,
Jessica Janis – BRAVO!