As we age we change. The image in our minds does not always keep pace with our actual appearance. In my case this is true. In my mind, was the image of me 20 years ago. In an effort to embrace and update my internal image I created this self-portrait to celebrate and accept that I am worth "more than the sum of my parts".

As living things, we all see and feel the passage of time. As humans, there is a tendency to hold on to a mental image of self that denies aging which does us all a disservice. Our experiences and years add to who we are. They make us more not less. The superficial and often misleading perfection of social media makes it difficult for us to love and accept ourselves and our bodies. This piece is part of my journey to update the inaccurate self-image I have in my mind pushing back against superficiality and celebrating the beauty of aging.