Confession:

I couldn’t WAIT to get these pictures back from the conference I spoke at in February–the dream speaking gig to nearly 5,000 entrepreneurs…

But when I saw them, my heart sank and my Inner Critic opined…

“Tree Trunks. Your legs look like tree trunks. You definitely can’t use any of these pictures–especially on social media!”

It may surprise you that this thought popped into MY mind…after all…. I’m someone who is known for helping people overcome this kind of negative talk…

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that my imperfections are what make me perfectly qualified to help people in the way that I do…so I’m gonna just roll with it…sound good?

So when that negative voice popped in my head, I used one of the tools I teach in our Unstoppable Influence 21-day challenge…

I chose to examine that negative thought, look for the lesson in it and step out of my comfort zone and share it, so that it might serve others. No use in keeping the lesson to myself.

So here’s what I did—

I replaced the negative thought with a POSITIVE one about my “tree trunk legs.”

(Side note: They ended up being a symptom of severe pre-eclampsia that caused me to have to deliver our twins 4 days later!)

I decided to say instead: “Those tree trunk legs held up a woman with tremendous determination and grit.”

When I did that, I moved from RESENTFUL to GRATEFUL for them and what they represent…

What do they represent?

A woman who REFUSED to listen to everyone who said she’d never make it on stage “THAT pregnant with twins.”

One who zipped around the conference in a scooter speaking with attendees because it was too painful to walk.

A woman who fought like hell to squeeze into those tights…and shoes…and dress so she could be on THAT stage.

One who fought for every single breath she took while delivering her message…

(Side note: Baby Hudson chose to take up residence in my lungs right as I walked on stage…)

So yea… I am THAT woman. And these perfectly imperfect pictures will forever remind me of that fact.

They won’t be tossed in the digital trash can of Facebook-unworthy pics.

Instead, I posted them on my Facebook page with pride, because at the end of the day, I believe it’s the imperfect pictures that make the better story…and a more meaningful connection…not the “Insta-Perfect” ones…

Next time you end up with an imperfect picture of yourself, instead of trashing, it share it.

Share it, and share what it represents to you.

Dig deep and find the lesson in the picture because I’m willing to bet someone needs to hear it!

Did you know that you’re here on purpose and for a purpose, and it’s an important one? You were born with a light that’s meant to shine in this world, and reach people only YOU can reach. But sometimes our lights get dimmed by life, and even when we want to shine them, we’re scared and don’t know where to even start. If that’s you, click here to check out the next Unstoppable Influence Challenge, where you can learn how to Be You, Be Fearless, and Transform Lives.