This week, I made a change to my Facebook profile picture. I swapped out the adorable snapshot of my kids making silly faces in their holiday outfits for a close-up of my own face—my professional headshot.
Now, you might be thinking, “So what’s the big deal?” Well, let me explain: for me, this seemingly simple update was a source of anxiety. I’ve always used family photos or pictures of my children, with me often lingering in the background.
I needed to make this change because I’ve been using Facebook more for professional purposes and less for personal connections. My profile needed to align with my brand. Logically, it made perfect sense, but emotionally, it was daunting. Transitioning from a family image to a solo picture of myself made me feel embarrassed, conceited, and even a bit uneasy.
Before I hit “Update,” I even sought a way to change my profile picture without it popping up in my friends’ News Feeds. I didn’t want anyone to notice, comment, or “like” it. Isn’t that a little sad?
As I wrestled with these feelings, I realized how troubling it is to feel apprehensive about being seen. The thought of others believing I’m confident and proud of who I am made me uncomfortable. So, I took the plunge. I updated my profile picture, and people noticed. They liked and commented. And you know what? It was okay. But that initial, visceral reaction I experienced? That was not okay.
As mothers, we shouldn’t shy away from being seen or from being ourselves. Yet, many of us struggle with self-confidence in motherhood. We’re navigating challenges, learning, and growing, which often leaves us vulnerable to doubt and outside judgment. It’s completely natural to feel hesitant about being in the spotlight while we’re figuring things out.
The truth is, confidence in motherhood and in ourselves isn’t a magical trait that some possess and others don’t. It’s something we must actively pursue, choose, and embrace, even if it comes with a stomach-churning leap of faith.
Changing a Facebook profile picture may seem trivial, but it’s a significant step toward embracing oneself and cultivating confidence. So, the next time you see a fellow mom updating her profile with a photo of herself, give her some encouragement. Help catch her as she takes that leap.
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In summary, changing your profile picture is more than just a social media update; it’s a step toward recognizing and claiming your identity. Embrace the awkwardness, and don’t shy away from showing the world who you are.