From my first day in front of the cameras at CBC TV (Canada’s public broadcaster) to now as an author, I have often squirmed at pictures of myself.
So, of course, I agonised about posting a new profile photo on Facebook recently. What could I choose that represents who I am?
Unlike my more sophisticated author photo, the photo below is me without the fixin’s — unvarnished, no makeup.
“Look at my weird eyebrows!” I wailed to myself. “And my eyes look so tired and wrinkly!”
Then my inner “Myrtle” took over.
I overcame my fears about looking not quite good enough — and published the photo because it felt like me.
My friends loved it. Even my hairdresser Lorna replied — for the first time ever — to my Facebook page.
My daughter Lauren says it’s a reminder to “Love Your Shell”. Love what makes you different; love what makes you you!
Meanwhile, Myrtle the Purple Turtle will be published on October 9 — that’s just days away. The responses from previewers and blogger friends have been wonderful. I’ve never had this happen before a book was published.
The print version of Myrtle will be officially on sale on October 9. Here’s the preorder link for the Kindle listing.
As we get closer to the big day, Lauren and I had this thought:
We invite you to share a photo or story about what makes you YOU, using the hashtag #loveyourshell. Whether it’s you in the garden in your sweatpants, in the kitchen, hanging out with family, curled up reading a book, walking the dog – if it’s you being you, please share it! I believe when you #loveyourshell you give others the courage to love themselves, too. We can all use a little self-love.
Thank you and — Love your shell!
Cynthia Reyes 