Need a friend to talk to...

[gr8sparkle99]

Hey there,

Any psycho-therapists out there? I’ve never clinically been diagnosed with depression, but maybe I am now... In a strange, unexplainable bout of panic, I took down my pictures from my picture thread. I was feeling kind of funny seeing naked pictures of myself and extremely self-conscious about my body. Especially now when I look in the mirror. I got a bit sun-burned while I was away, and I’m peeling all over. Gross. Also I gained a few pounds. Damn.

A part of me is saying that ALL human bodies are BEAUTIFUL, and it is natural and normal to be attracted to other human bodies and WANT to look at them. So there should be nothing wrong with people posting pictures of themselves, including me, in the amateur pictures area. Then again, I am so critical of myself that I cannot see clearly. I think that other people look great and look beautiful in their pictures but I do not. So I kill myself with my criticism of myself. When I was posting pictures, the nice compliments I received made me feel wonderful and boosted me up all day long. It was addicting. But now I am so self conscious, I think it will take some encouragement before I can start posting again and possibly put back the pictures I took down. I’m not kidding, I really am quite shy in real life.

I’ve made it back to the gym and I’m busting my ass again to try to make up for lost time. However, a big part of my motivation is gone. Why do I bust my ass in the gym? Why do I continually diet and then beat myself up if I go astray for just a bit?

Anyway, I guess I could use a sympathetic ear or two to help me out of this. A few words of encouragement might help perhaps.

Thanks,
Sparkle

 

[youngleo]

The pics you posted were awsome. I was a big fan. I would say its perfectly normal to have second doubts about posting. I have a feeling you will do the right thing. Trips to the gym and working out will help you. Life is to short. Keep your chin up.

 

[gr8sparkle99]

The pics you posted were awsome. I was a big fan. I would say its perfectly normal to have second doubts about posting. I have a feeling you will do the right thing. Trips to the gym and working out will help you. Life is to short. Keep your chin up.

Thanks Youngleo. You're right, trips to the gym always help.... I had a really good workout today...and I'm looking forward to tomorrow....

 

[b4cast]

Sparkle -

I think what is most important is that you do what feels right to you. From what I can tell from your pictures, I think you are a stunningly beautiful woman. You are incredibly sexy, have a beautiful smile, and a sensational body. That is great. But you also have a certain confidence in your pictures that is so very attractive. My wife is critical of her body and I think she is about the sexiest woman on the planet. She works out constantly, not because I ask it, but because of her own inner drive. But she can never answer the question - to what goal. You would be beautiful with your peeling sunburned body. Not because of what your body looks like. But, because it is another side of you. I think people first look at a posters pictures and they see breasts and boing.....erection. But as the poster goes on, it becomes about the person, not just the picture. That is certainly the case with you. I think people enjoy you as much as the pictures. You look like you are having fun taking them. Posting them. And certainly, we have fun looking at them. It was great seeing you get a little more bold. You could sense in the pictures your sexual desire to show more. They are incredible. But in the end, be comfortable with you first. You don't need to post pictures to feel beautiful. You already are. But if you are so inclined, i am certain there are a number of men and women on here that would welcome seeing more of you. If you don't want to post for a while, don't. Take a break. If you feel like it again, we will patiently wait. But don't go away. This seems like a pretty interesting community of very diverse people. And you have been a great addition to Lit.

Take care....

 

[gr8sparkle99]

My wife is critical of her body and I think she is about the sexiest woman on the planet. She works out constantly, not because I ask it, but because of her own inner drive. But she can never answer the question - to what goal. ....

Your wife sounds a lot like me... inner drive on a quest for fitness... but with no real concrete goal in mind other than to look good. And we don't know when we're already there since we're constantly working out and trying to improve that last little bit....

But if you are so inclined, i am certain there are a number of men and women on here that would welcome seeing more of you. If you don't want to post for a while, don't. Take a break. If you feel like it again, we will patiently wait. But don't go away. This seems like a pretty interesting community of very diverse people. And you have been a great addition to Lit.

Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement. The Lit community has been for the most part very great. But, still I think I'll take a break for a while and then see how I feel.... Sparkle

 

[RawHumor]

You've got one of the sexiest, most athletic bodies that I've seen on Lit.

As someone who's just recently started going to the gym again, I can tell you that the results are good psychologically, even before you notice them physically... but you knew that.

All I can tell you is that everyone is self-conscious and, sadly, people generally take insults closer to heart than they take compliments.

 

[cf23430]

Sparkle,

YOu are the greatest. Working it believe it or not is so important to you. A healthy body can help cure an unhealthy mind. Once you get back into your routine I am sure that you will begin to feel better about yourself. Hey you deserve a break every now and then. You are a great lady. Keep up the good work and better things will happen for you. Just know that there are people out here that do in fact care about you.

C

 

[ShaiGirl]

Hi Sparkle,

I didn't see your pic thread before, but I saw your AV and sig pics just now. Wow, you have a great body! I wish I had those toned arms and abs as flat as yours!

But if you've gained a little weight, it's natural that you'll feel insecure. As a woman, I know the feeling! I consider myself far from my desired weight - I wish I was a few pounds lighter. However, I'm too lazy to go the gym, and am now trying to lose weight by dieting, walking and pilates. But yeah it's hard - it must be an age thing. lol If you want to lose weight, do it for yourself and for your personal satisfaction.

As for taking a break from posting pics, I can understand it if you want to take a short hiatus. Sometimes posting gets old, and you have to just sit back and return to lurking. It happened to me as well, and there were RL issues which got in the way. Now I'm back, but maybe for a limited engagement only. I hope you get your picture mojo back after your break, though.

All the best,
SG

 

[SpecialKay62]

I've never posted any pictures, but I kinda get what you're talking about emotionally. Did you post in a quest for affirmation? Because I think you got a lot of positive feedback. The affirmation you seek has to come from inside you. Until you believe that you're beautiful, attractive, sexy, whatever, no amount of praise and affirmation is going to fill that void. Going to the gym, losing a few pounds, posting pictures...not doing it for you. So, what is it you're seeking? When you spend some time working on the inside, you'll be more loving of the outside, Just sayin... : )

 

[Macdaddy23]

Sparkle, you look great to me. Anyone would back me up on that. Your an attractive woman. I used to be in Florida and it's easy to sun burn there. You will get over that.

 

[youngleo]

Hey sparkle, I can sense some change in attitude in you already. Good job.

 

[gr8sparkle99]

Thanks guys

Raw – Aww, Thanks. Yes you’re right about taking insults to heart more than compliments. Note to myself: don't waste emotional energy on stupid remarks.

CF – Thanks for caring…. Yes I’m getting back into my routine now.

ShaiGirl – Thanks for your compliments, but I’ve got to say, wow, you look fabulous too… I saw your pics on Malia’s thread when I went lurking there… don’t see any extra pounds on you girl.

SpecialKay – Thanks for the note too… Yeah, I’m going to try to work on my inner self happiness before anything else…

Macdaddy – Thanks again. Yeah, next time I get a nasty remark, I’m counting on your cute cuddly teddybear avi to go and beat them up… Also next time I need to remember to put on the sunscreen BEFORE I get into the sun.

Youngleo – Yeah thanks, my attitude is changing.... Nothing like a few kick-ass, high-velocity, iron-pounding sessions in the gym to make me feel better. Chest and back yesterday… Legs and abs today… Shoulders and arms tomorrow…

So yeah, today is better than yesterday... tomorrow will probably be better than today... little baby steps for big results...

Sparkle

 

[kmb411]

Just do not stress over it. You have positive feedback and look great. You should be proud of your self and not let others bring you down. In today's world, it is easy to feel inadiquite. Focus on the posiive things in life and the rest will fall into place!

 

[Tipper2]

I've never posted any pictures, but I kinda get what you're talking about emotionally. Did you post in a quest for affirmation? Because I think you got a lot of positive feedback. The affirmation you seek has to come from inside you. Until you believe that you're beautiful, attractive, sexy, whatever, no amount of praise and affirmation is going to fill that void. Going to the gym, losing a few pounds, posting pictures...not doing it for you. So, what is it you're seeking? When you spend some time working on the inside, you'll be more loving of the outside, Just sayin... : )

Lit is mainly a fantasy land.

Most AM pics are used for a quick wank. Read the posts in the threads and the comments are all generally the same. Don't matter who the pix poster is.

You looking for true validation I would look for someone who actually knows you. Away from Lit. They will give you feedback that is real. Here you will be told what you want to hear, if it is real or not. Find someone that actually knows you and can make u feel good about yourself. Then come back and have fun.

 

[ariana_rn]

Hey there,

Any psycho-therapists out there? I’ve never clinically been diagnosed with depression, but maybe I am now... In a strange, unexplainable bout of panic, I took down my pictures from my picture thread. I was feeling kind of funny seeing naked pictures of myself and extremely self-conscious about my body. Especially now when I look in the mirror. I got a bit sun-burned while I was away, and I’m peeling all over. Gross. Also I gained a few pounds. Damn.

A part of me is saying that ALL human bodies are BEAUTIFUL, and it is natural and normal to be attracted to other human bodies and WANT to look at them. So there should be nothing wrong with people posting pictures of themselves, including me, in the amateur pictures area. Then again, I am so critical of myself that I cannot see clearly. I think that other people look great and look beautiful in their pictures but I do not. So I kill myself with my criticism of myself. When I was posting pictures, the nice compliments I received made me feel wonderful and boosted me up all day long. It was addicting. But now I am so self conscious, I think it will take some encouragement before I can start posting again and possibly put back the pictures I took down. I’m not kidding, I really am quite shy in real life.

I’ve made it back to the gym and I’m busting my ass again to try to make up for lost time. However, a big part of my motivation is gone. Why do I bust my ass in the gym? Why do I continually diet and then beat myself up if I go astray for just a bit?

Anyway, I guess I could use a sympathetic ear or two to help me out of this. A few words of encouragement might help perhaps.

Thanks,
Sparkle

Hi
We really don't know each other but just wanted to say you're not alone! I can completely empathize with where you are coming from. I too took my pictures all down a few months ago, feeling uncomfortable and self conscious. It took months before I came back. I can relate to the high from positive feedback, the low when your body doesn't look how you want it to.....Times like those you need to focus on the inside, you seem like a beautiful person and you ARE beautiful outside as well! Take the time you need for you and I am sure that everyone will be thrilled when you get back

Ari

 

[LickYourNips]

Hey there,

Any psycho-therapists out there? I’ve never clinically been diagnosed with depression, but maybe I am now... In a strange, unexplainable bout of panic, I took down my pictures from my picture thread. I was feeling kind of funny seeing naked pictures of myself and extremely self-conscious about my body. Especially now when I look in the mirror. I got a bit sun-burned while I was away, and I’m peeling all over. Gross. Also I gained a few pounds. Damn.

A part of me is saying that ALL human bodies are BEAUTIFUL, and it is natural and normal to be attracted to other human bodies and WANT to look at them. So there should be nothing wrong with people posting pictures of themselves, including me, in the amateur pictures area. Then again, I am so critical of myself that I cannot see clearly. I think that other people look great and look beautiful in their pictures but I do not. So I kill myself with my criticism of myself. When I was posting pictures, the nice compliments I received made me feel wonderful and boosted me up all day long. It was addicting. But now I am so self conscious, I think it will take some encouragement before I can start posting again and possibly put back the pictures I took down. I’m not kidding, I really am quite shy in real life.

I’ve made it back to the gym and I’m busting my ass again to try to make up for lost time. However, a big part of my motivation is gone. Why do I bust my ass in the gym? Why do I continually diet and then beat myself up if I go astray for just a bit?

Anyway, I guess I could use a sympathetic ear or two to help me out of this. A few words of encouragement might help perhaps.

Thanks,
Sparkle

You are absolutely gorgeous. But really it isn't up to us.... its all about how you feel about yourself. I would take criticisms with a grain of salt. Everyone has a different opinion about what is "Hot" to them. I'm glad my girlfriend values a sense of humor... otherwise I wouldn't have landed the "out-of-my-league" hottie I did.

It is important to note that every person can pick themselves apart.... it is important to realize that God made you the way you are. You help shape your outer-beauty (if that is what you are judging) by how hard you work out in comparison to today's standards of hotness.... back in the 1600's a plump woman was hot... and don't forget the immortal words of Sir Mix-A-Lot said, "My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns hun." Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Just be you.

Those are my only words of zen for you this evening.

- Jake

 

[ima6uldv8]

Being a woman with more than just a few extra pounds, it's hard for me to identify with you. I didn't see your pics but going by your av, I would love to have your problem. Most men prefer thinner women. As for you feeling shamed or nervous and removing them, how were you raised as far as religion? Naked is sinful and bad, don't you know? I was raised baptist. Thank goodness I've escaped it.

 

[faithchick]

Hey there,

Any psycho-therapists out there? I’ve never clinically been diagnosed with depression, but maybe I am now... In a strange, unexplainable bout of panic, I took down my pictures from my picture thread. I was feeling kind of funny seeing naked pictures of myself and extremely self-conscious about my body. Especially now when I look in the mirror. I got a bit sun-burned while I was away, and I’m peeling all over. Gross. Also I gained a few pounds. Damn.

A part of me is saying that ALL human bodies are BEAUTIFUL, and it is natural and normal to be attracted to other human bodies and WANT to look at them. So there should be nothing wrong with people posting pictures of themselves, including me, in the amateur pictures area. Then again, I am so critical of myself that I cannot see clearly. I think that other people look great and look beautiful in their pictures but I do not. So I kill myself with my criticism of myself. When I was posting pictures, the nice compliments I received made me feel wonderful and boosted me up all day long. It was addicting. But now I am so self conscious, I think it will take some encouragement before I can start posting again and possibly put back the pictures I took down. I’m not kidding, I really am quite shy in real life.

I’ve made it back to the gym and I’m busting my ass again to try to make up for lost time. However, a big part of my motivation is gone. Why do I bust my ass in the gym? Why do I continually diet and then beat myself up if I go astray for just a bit?

Anyway, I guess I could use a sympathetic ear or two to help me out of this. A few words of encouragement might help perhaps.

Thanks,
Sparkle

Sparkle,

I'm so sorry that your feeling this way. I also have a pic thread, and when I received some negative comments I left Lit for a week to regroup. I think Raw has the right idea, now I try to let the negative comments roll off my back ( and believe me it's not easy)
Now that being said, I just want you to know I think you have one of the most sexiest bodies I have ever seen. I would LOVE to look like you. It seems we can never be happy with what we look like. I know speaking for myself, i'm not happy with the way I look, but i'm tying to work on that
Good luck to you sweetie, and know your not alone

 

[cliteatingman]

Do these words help?

You are one incredibly hot Babe!

Hey there,

Any psycho-therapists out there? I’ve never clinically been diagnosed with depression, but maybe I am now... In a strange, unexplainable bout of panic, I took down my pictures from my picture thread. I was feeling kind of funny seeing naked pictures of myself and extremely self-conscious about my body. Especially now when I look in the mirror. I got a bit sun-burned while I was away, and I’m peeling all over. Gross. Also I gained a few pounds. Damn.

A part of me is saying that ALL human bodies are BEAUTIFUL, and it is natural and normal to be attracted to other human bodies and WANT to look at them. So there should be nothing wrong with people posting pictures of themselves, including me, in the amateur pictures area. Then again, I am so critical of myself that I cannot see clearly. I think that other people look great and look beautiful in their pictures but I do not. So I kill myself with my criticism of myself. When I was posting pictures, the nice compliments I received made me feel wonderful and boosted me up all day long. It was addicting. But now I am so self conscious, I think it will take some encouragement before I can start posting again and possibly put back the pictures I took down. I’m not kidding, I really am quite shy in real life.

I’ve made it back to the gym and I’m busting my ass again to try to make up for lost time. However, a big part of my motivation is gone. Why do I bust my ass in the gym? Why do I continually diet and then beat myself up if I go astray for just a bit?

Anyway, I guess I could use a sympathetic ear or two to help me out of this. A few words of encouragement might help perhaps.

Thanks,
Sparkle

 

[gr8sparkle99]

Thanks

kmb - Thanks for the positive comments... I'll try to focus on the positive too!

Tipper - Yeah, You're right... Lit is fantasy and fun... and I like to have fun!

Ari - Thanks to you, Beautiful!

Jake - Thanks for your words of zen... I appreciated reading them!

Ima - Yes, ha! too funny! I was raised Baptist too! And hell yeah, me too...I've escaped it myself with all the miserable guilt it teaches....dropped it, moved on!

Foothills guy - Thanks for your help with vitamins... will check it out.

Faith - Thanks to you... but you are downright the hottest chick here! I wish I could be more like you!

cliteatingman - Yeah babe, I need you to come eat me!

Thanks everyone, I'm starting to feel better. I don't stay down for too long... I had another kick-ass session in the gym today, and boy it does me wonders!

Damn, you guys are TOO NICE!! Why can't everyone in the real world be as nice as all of you guys??

Sparkle

 

[fuzzy94]

That smile is starting to come out

Well I must say that it might be a little grin but the beginnings are there

Fuzzy

 

[booth22]

Hey Sparkle,

I'm a psych major not working in the field, but it doesn't take a PhD to identify with what you said in the thread opener. First off, posting on a site like this and eliciting comments from guys (and girls) who are 'primed' to enjoy what you're sharing with them is BOUND to be a flattering rush. It's obvious you work out...you look absolutely terrific! My only thought is that since 99% of the feedback you're likely to get is centered on your body, you're likely to feel that double edged sword of "they liked THAT pic cause it showed my flattering (fill in the blank)" which in a tough way reinforces the thought that if you've gained a few pounds somewhere along the way a pic showing that would be a no go to show. Take a look around...all sorts of ages, shapes and sizes on Lit, and almost all receiving equal amounts of kudos!

But I hear you. A distant friend of mine is an ex Redskins cheerleader, now in her late forties, who competes in fitness competitions around the country. I'm not cocky enough to pretend to know how she feels about her body (we haven't really talked about it), but I'd imagine she's set the bar pretty high for herself in terms of where she 'needs to be' to look acceptable for what she's doing.

I'm doing a lousy job of expressing myself, so I'll end it with this thought: You look as nice in the 1st pic of your new thread (wearing the dress) as you look erotic in the later ones. You're probably a really nice looking woman (facially), conscientious (in a thoughtful way), who just happens to have a bangin' body! (haha, sorry...couldn't help myself ) But really....have fun, you deserve all the compliments you're getting...primarily cause you've put it out there in a tasteful and erotic way.

A few roses for the empty vases

 

[cliteatingman]

cliteatingman - Yeah babe, I need you to come eat me!

Sparkle

Can you give me directions from DC?

 

[gumtree]

Sparkle,
You have posted some of the sexiest pictures that I have seen.
The brown dress was a classic, looked great, body hugging beauty.
I cant imagine that a few extra pounds would be detramental to that figure of yours it would just add a few more curves and what curves they are.
I think that you woud look great without a tan.
I just try to take it easy in the gym dont push to hard.

Gumtree

 

[Oakenbent]

Sparkle,

I stumbled upon this thread and, though it has been a while since it was active, wanted to throw in my two cents should you ever feel anxious about posting again. You may or may not remember me - Russ. I have posted images in the past and always end up taking them down and fleeing the scene for some time (sometimes months). As a serial guilt ridden image poster and taker down of said images I can completely relate to this. I hope that you are feeling better since starting this thread.

A friend on Lit once passed some great wisdom on this topic: remember that you owe us nothing. If you choose to share your images then how wonderful that you can share yourself in this way. But if you are ever uncomfortable, then you have to follow your own heart on the matter.

Secondly, and most importantly, you are absolutely beautiful whether you choose to post or not. I think we people tend to forget the incredible machines that are our bodies. It truly doesn't matter what anyone here says about you. Don't ever forget the amazing dignity of this gift, regardless of it's present condition.

Be well,

Russ