Weekly Selfie Tip – Take a Quick Selfie

One thing I often about selfie taking is that folks don’t have the time in their day. And hearing about some of the busy lives folks have, I can see why. But time passes quickly when we’re busy and there is something mighty powerful about pausing even for a quick second in a busy day to get grounded and check in with yourself. So for today’s selfie tip I wanted to encourage you to make it quick. Your selfie doesn’t need to be grand or taken with that DSLR you have at home…what about that phone you probably have in your pocket or purse right now.

I shared in this post why I think it can be powerful to keep our selfies simple sometimes (especially if our expectation of what our selfie ‘should’ be or what would be good enough is stopping us from even taking them). But time is also a factor that can keep us from being a part of our visual story. But truly this can just take a second of your day within your day, not necessarily taking time away from everything else you’re doing.

I thought I’d share a few quick selfie ideas with you today…and I dare you to make one happen today and share it with me using the #beyourownbeloved hashtag on Instagram!

• While you wait. Are you waiting for an appointment? Or waiting in the car to pick the kids up from school? Or waiting for dinner to be ready? Next time you’re in a waiting moment in your day, why not make it a selfie taking moment. Remember selfies aren’t just arm’s length selfies and something like a foot photo or hand photo can be a lot more subtle if you’re in public (but no less a selfie)!
• Right here, right now. You’ll see lots of people doing the #stopdropandselfie game on Instagram and that’s all about sharing this moment. You don’t need to go anywhere or do anything!
• The washroom. Yup, I said it and I mean it…washroom selfies aren’t a bad thing. Maybe the washroom you’re going to will have a great mirror or be a private 1 stall washroom with great wallpaper and lighting. Plus, it’s a valid time to take a moment for yourself, right?
• While you work. What is keeping you busy in your day? Why not tell the story of the day. Whether you’re busy taking care of the kids…what about taking a quick selfie with them! Or if you’re working at a desk, put that phone a few feet away from your hands, set the timer and capture your work without really taking time away from it! I bet the part of your day that is busy could also be a part of your visual story!
• While you walk/roll. Where are those moments in between your busy moments where you are strolling somewhere. Perhaps to your car from work or walking the dog? Those in between moments can be a great moment to sneak in a quick selfie and also moments where just for a moment you could slow your steps, feel the ground beneath you and have a mini mindful self-care moment along with your selfie! Keep an eye out on your stroll for your shadow or reflection  that could make for a fun a quick selfie.
• Take it now, process it later. Taking quick and low-pressure selfies throughout the day is a great way to be a part of your visual story. Often if we keep a bit of time separate from the moment we take them we’ll see the photo with more kindness too. Taking time to get creative with your photo and play around with photo apps later in the day can be a great way to relax too, right?
• Take a 1 block walk. I’ll often do this on rainy days or when I don’t feel like I have the time but know that I will feel more grounded, more ready for the rest of the day if I can do this mini self-care photo offering to myself. Go down 1 block and back and see what you can find that could be a place to pause and take a selfie of your feet or a backdrop for an arm’s length selfie!

I hope these ideas help make it feel more possible to add a little part of your day into your visual story. I know especially when things are wildly busy these little moments feel more like self-care than ever!

If you do take a quick selfie today and share it, I’ll be on the lookout for it via the #beyourownbeloved hashtag! Or if the idea of taking selfie at all is outside your comfort zone and you’d like a supportive experience exploring seeing yourself with kindness though your camera , come join in for the November Session of Be Your Own Beloved (and get early access to inspiring videos to support your journey as soon as you register)!