14 Comments
May 10, 2022Liked by Valerie Monroe

My husband says I’ve never met a mirror I didn’t like.

Objects in need of evaluation and judgment, you say? Yikes, with me it was a double whammy — as a former professional ballet dancer, mirrors were my alter ego; devil or angel (guess who usually won?) and to this day, the bane of my existence.

And please stop being so F*ing clever: trapped in the Temple of Zoom…🤣

So enjoy your writings, Val!

Expand full comment
May 10, 2022Liked by Valerie Monroe

First time reading your content Val and it’s on point. Social media can be a dangerous place. Right now I’m obsessed with nail care, thanks to Instagram. Zoom tips are great. Will try the light placement since I think I always look ghoulish on those calls 😂 Loved the Chirp idea!

Expand full comment
May 10, 2022Liked by Valerie Monroe

Love your insight, Val. So true, funny and poignant all at once. Thank you

Expand full comment
May 10, 2022·edited May 10, 2022Liked by Valerie Monroe

I am so grateful to you for bringing these studies (depressing as they are) to my awareness. The biggest issues with body image and shame are feeling like 1) I'm the only one who feels it and therefore there is something EXTRA wrong with me and/or 2) I'm insane. Findings like these help us all see that these pernicious and self-defeating standards are "in the water" so to speak. Once we know that, we have a bit of space; the chance to choose another way of defining or considering ourselves. Also, I agree w/ Gloria below... Temple of Zoom is tops.👌

Expand full comment
May 10, 2022Liked by Valerie Monroe

I have found relief from watching myself on Zoom by using speaker view. Much better for focusing on what the other person is saying and feels more intimate (I’m retired so these are not business calls!). I second the comfort of EVA Birkenstocks, although I haven’t put in the miles that you have.

Expand full comment
Feb 16, 2023Liked by Valerie Monroe

So much to comment on...yes, a ring light really makes all the difference as well as a little bit of lip gloss (I like glossier balms). Even when I'm not wearing any make-up, the ring light seems to do a decent job of making me look alert and brighter (haha). I've actually been shitting off my self-view more often on video platforms - not so much that I don't like my face (I actually do - - most of the time) but I get distracted by seeingm y face rather than focusing on clients or speakers. And last.. Birkenstocks! When I went to China to teach English back in 1992, my teammate wore leather Birkenstocks way before it was cool. OMG, I thought they were so ugly but guess what? I got a pair a year later because they are, indeed, quite comfy.

Expand full comment

Temple of Zoom. Haha. I am impressed you've started your own book club! xx

Expand full comment