A more sociable look

Using the digital camera, and trial and error, I was able to make some significant progress in improving my appearance. I spent countless hours trying this and that – deleting everything, and then starting over - This method eventually allowed me to fine-tune my image and link this to my subconscious – where I could call upon it at any time. In other words, I now had a very good idea how to smile appropriately, and what I looked like. I wouldn’t be second-guessing my “look” in public – and that was a huge relief.

Whereas previously, I had no clue as to how my smile looked to others, I now had a very good idea because I had practiced just about every conceivable pose. All my life I was very hesitant to let loose a smile because I had no idea how to make it look good. I essentially felt as though I were operating blind - just going for it, and hoping for the best.

I remember reading a self-help book years ago, and afterwards practicing my “public” smile. The result was not great, and I felt like a complete moron (even though I had no idea how my smile looked). I just did what felt natural, but the feedback I received from others was proof that this was not something I should have pursued.

Now things were different. I felt more confident in my ability to create a pleasant appearance – a more sociable look if you will.

Don’t get me wrong, I was still filled with anxiety and depression, but I at least knew how to create a socially acceptable look – an open, down-to-earth smile. And more importantly, I knew how it would appear to others, for I had viewed it myself several hundred times.

I decided to try my new look in public. I didn’t know what to expect, and that really scared me. After all, having the ability to smile is one thing, being confident enough to use that ability, was something else entirely.

It was time to take things from theory to reality. I could practice for years, but unless I actually got out there, nothing would change – no progress could be made.

I would still stay within the limits of the incubation stage, however, now I felt confident that I could present myself in a friendlier, more sociable, manner.

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