Our self-image is more than just how we look. It starts when we’re young, shaped by how people treat us and what we come to believe about ourselves over time.
In my book, I share some painful memories from my early life. These moments still give me strength, but also sadness when I look back.
As a child, I learned that being happy could lead to problems. Every time I felt joy, it was often followed by an argument at home. I started to believe that happiness caused trouble. So I taught myself to shut down after feeling good, like I had to snap back to “reality.” I didn’t realise I was doing it. I just thought I was keeping the peace.
Years later, my partner asked, “Why can’t you just be happy?” But I didn’t know how. I had learned to stay quiet, stay small, and avoid anything that might cause tension, especially for my mum.
Happiness didn’t feel natural to me. I felt like I had to earn it by working hard or proving I was good enough. In the early years of living on my own, I often felt frustrated, emotional, or flat, and I didn’t understand why.
My self-image was all over the place, just like my emotions. I acted like I had no value, no self-trust, no beauty, and nothing good to offer. I didn’t believe I was allowed to dress well, smile, or stand tall. I used to hunch over a lot, like I was trying to take up less space. It felt safer. But it also made me look less confident, and made me feel even less beautiful. I didn’t realise my body language was showing exactly how I felt inside.
Eventually, I started to notice how often other people let themselves be happy. It made me wonder, maybe joy isn’t wrong. Maybe it’s just human. And maybe I could feel it too.
I’m not sharing this to make anyone feel bad. I’m sharing it to raise awareness. A lot of what we believe about ourselves isn’t fact, it’s a mix of habits, fears, and survival strategies. But the good news is: self-image can change. If we’re willing to take small steps and look within, we can start to see ourselves in a new way, and live with more freedom and peace.
www.ccwithin.com
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P.S. My book, #FromUglyToBeautifulWithoutSurgery, is now available on our official website. It is the result of over 10 years of personal and professional exploration into what true beauty really means. If you have ever felt not enough, this book is a heartfelt guide to rediscover your worth. No surgery, no filters, just truth.
C.C.Within Service:
We are now open for body image workshop bookings. Our workshops are designed for workplaces, schools, and organizations that want to support healthy self-esteem and promote a more positive body image culture.