If you’ve read my About Page and my Life Story, you’re probably familiar with my “before” pictures that I have posted in these two sections of the blog.
Well, I’m happy to say that not only is WINTER OVER as of two days ago (in the northern hemisphere anyway)… woohoo… but it is also just about one year to the day that those pictures were taken – the same day I began my journey to clear skin.
What has happened to me in the last 365 days? A lot.
Acne shattered my confidence, depression ran deep, an anxiety I had never felt overtook me…. which gave way to sheer determination, a belief that I could get better, ups, downs. Hiding my head, and yet being determined to show it at the same time. Crying, laughter, sadness, a venture inside myself I never knew I would take.
Yet here I am, one year later. I survived! I made it!
It’s been a crazy adventure, for sure. It’s hard to believe that was only one year ago. Mind you, I’ve been mostly clear ever since June, a mere three months later. I’d like to say that all my problems ended there, but they didn’t.
As I said before, I wish I had taken the emotional healing stuff seriously earlier on. I was still bound and shackled by my acne at that point, even in its absence. It took many more months before I was able to realize what was going on and work my way through it; ironically, it took much longer for my heart to heal than it took my skin.
The effects are still not completely gone, but like acne marks and scars…. they are fading away with time, and I find it remarkable how much more at peace I feel now, than that dark time you can see pouring out of my eyes in those pictures.
It is a striking difference, physically and emotionally.
While, from time to time, I still feel a jolt of ye old acne anxiety cropping up in me, it is getting more rare as the days go by. I spend my time mostly without makeup now, and it doesn’t concern me if my roommates, or friends, or random people see me without it, even if I have some spots. I even went out for lunch today to a nice Japanese restaurant without makeup on. Seriously, even before my severe breakout, I never thought I’d ever see this day.
It feels good. Really good.
And I must say, starting this blog itself has been an incredibly healing experience for me. I love how dedicated it has kept me to furthering my own self improvement, which I feel should be an ongoing affair throughout life.
So thanks guys, for joining me for this part of my journey…. not only has it been amazing vehicle for my own self growth so far (and we’re only just getting started!), it also feels incredible to pay the love forward to those who are in need of a big heaping spoonful of Vitamin L.
I look forward to seeing you all in another year from now, after having undertaken your own healing journeys, and to see your beautiful transformations – inside and out. I can’t wait. ♥
Where are you on your healing journey?
That’s great news! I’m really loving the website by the way, and was hoping you could do a video on menstrual acne?
Sure! I’ll pencil it in
Yes, I second that!
Love your story and your message Tracy. Keep up the good work with your blog, it’s help me little by little.
Thanks David 🙂
Your awesome. I thought winter was over down here in Pennsylvania…but we just got five more inches of snow :/ I really enjoy your blogs about the emotional/psychological side of healing acne. From my personal experiences, that is probably the most important aspect of getting clear.. Loving yourself should be the first step in everyones skin care regime.
Definitely… clear skin means nothing if you’re still anxious, scared, and trappe. But that’s usually a lesson that doesn’t sink in unless you learn it yourself!
You’re always such an inspiration. 🙂
Thanks for all the support, Sampson!
Hi Tracy!! It’s me again from Tokyo!!
It’s so great to hear (read) that you are getting better (healthier) both from your inside and outside. Not only the scars on our skin, but acne also leaves a huge scar in our hearts 🙁 I am trying to work on my low self-esteem when I get break outs these days. Your page has been so helpful, and I really appreciate your work.
Wow!! Nice Japanese restaurant? What kind of plates did you have?? The more I learn about food and health, the more I realize that traditional Japanese food is wonderful for our health!
Plz keep it up what you have here! You are inspiring so many people in the world 🙂
haha yes, Japanese food is my ‘go to’ restaurant food, since it is generally much healthier than a lot of others. Of course, it’s not perfect, but no restaurant food is. Generally when I go out to eat, I will choose something relatively healthy (ie, not pizza), but I don’t worry about the little details of this or that little thing not being the healthiest. It just ruins your meal with your friends!
For example, I ate lots of raw salmon sashimi (yay, omega 3s), but I also ate some deep fried tempura (hm… deep fried gluten)…. oh well!
As I’ve said before – I LOVE your website! And I’m going to recomend it to everyone in little Denmark!
…. or at least all the acne prone ons I know. 😉
Thank you so much Evelyn!! 😀
I always find your articles and posts so interesting and inspiring 🙂 I’m not in control of my diet, unfortunately, because I still live with my non-understanding parents, but next year at uni I will definately use all your advice 😀 (if i can afford to :P) I have had acne for a long time, and it has created a lot of self-confidence problems which my friends and my boyfriend can’t really understand. Things like when I meet people for the first time I think that they wont want to talk to me because of my skin- which is stupid really. Since going on your website, I have moved a way from medical, chemical-based products and I am trying to cure my acne hollistically. Also, I use a range of natural face masks- what is your view on these? I just use bio-yogurt and honey to stop inflamation and even out my skin tone 🙂 I have found a dramatic improvement since I have stopped seeing myself so negatively (and my boyfriend is an absolute darling about it all) but I still get breakouts way more than I would like 🙁 Thankyou for being so inspirational and I am sorry I babbled! I just wanted to say how amazing your transformation was and how it made me feel like clear skin is achievable 🙂
That is so great that you’ve seen improvement from changing your negative views of yourself…. keep rocking on!!! You’re on the right path and you’ll definitely get there. Light and LOTS of love to you!! xoxox
Ps – natural skin maks are great! Especially if you make them in your own kitchen
Awww Tracy, good for you. Good thing you made this wonderful step.
I once had acne prone skin. It was very upsetting to me and I never wanted to go out. It took years until I was able to find the right treatment for my skin. I eventually started using this cleanser for acne that was clearing my skin up tremendously. My self esteem sky rocketed and I was finally going out again and not worrying about my skin. It all depends on finding the right treatment for your acne in order to over come your issues with skin care.
Hi,
I’m a 48 year old woman. You are right on the
money about everything. I always suspected my food
intolerances and how dairy and gluten may mess with
my skin. I’ve recently been alergy tested. And I do have
these food intolerances. Now, that I’m older I notice
the wrinkles, dull skin…so I’m going to start following
your suggestions. I know following your advice will take 10 years off my looks.
Thank you for sharing your journey & experiences!!!!
Good luck Terie 🙂
It’s never too late to start changing your life ! Good luck my friend!