A recent purchase at the flea market had me asking the question, “How is your self image?

I find a lot of stuff for craft show display at my local flea market. This pedestal mirror, for instance. When photographing the new-to-me mirror, I saw my reflection and realized I was more critical of my looks than I usually am.

Can You Ever Ask Yourself Too Often – How Is Your Self Image?

I guess anything can become obsessively overdone. But a regular assessment of whether I’m feeling good about who I am has been important for me. It tells me a lot about how I’m reacting to life.

On days where my self-image is strong, for instance. I can have a higher level of confidence that my reactions to others are right-sized. Not overblown because I’m feeling uncomfortable with who I am. And when I’m on less stable ground with how I’m feeling about myself, I am a bit more cautious not to overreact to people. I’m able to notice that I’m more sensitive to critique.

My self image has changed a lot in the last few years. As has my actual image. So it should…no surprise I guess. Most physical changes I have taken in stride. My hair has thinned and gotten grayer. I’m okay with that. I’ve had nice hair for much of my life. Losing some of it, or having it gray isn’t so bad. I’ve gotten crow’s feet around my eyes. Perfect for someone my age.

What about the aspects of aging I don’t want?

• Getting heavier – I try to work harder to keep fit (for a lot of reasons…looks being one of them).
• Sagging – It’s been a lot more difficult accepting the neck-waddle that has appeared in the last year or so. For some reason that one bugs me. Not sure I can really do anything about it.
• Skin changes – Discolorations, spots, drying. They affect my looks (at least to me) and could also be a medical condition. So they also cause worry.

Overall, I consider myself to have been very fortunate with the physical effects of aging. At least on my good days.

Current Knitting

I’ve started a new garter-stripe shawl.

I’m using some KnitPicks Gloss (70% wool/30% silk) and Uneek Fingering. Not quite sure I’m liking the yarn combination, but I will do at least 10 inches before I decide.

I do love the i-cord selvedge edge.

And I’m not quite sure I’ve expressed how much I LOVE the new Blush colored Lykke interchangeables!

They’re smooth and silky and the color makes me happy every time I use them.