Maybe not as pretty as you, but I’ll take it. I will also turn 50 in a couple of years ago.
I feel you about the beard, I had mine for the better part of 20 years. My face was not pleased with me when I shaved. Shocked, even.
I’m one of those that managed to hide my inner girl even from myself until pretty recently. Oh, there were clues and signs aplenty but I didn’t see 'em. I’ve never been classically feminine or even had classically feminine interests which is part of why it took me so long to understand. I’m more of a grease monkey biker chick. I know that’s valid of course, but it did hamper my discovery. How much of that is me and much is “the mask”, I don’t know. I do buy and wear a lot of pink stuff too, so who knows? But I try to not worry too much about it, I can’t go around second guessing everything I do.
But I always disliked what I saw in the mirror and a low self confidence is par for the course with that. I will try your method of convincing myself I’ve been wrong all these years. Can’t hurt. As you say, we’re beautiful. Now I just gotta believe it too. 😅
I have already started the affirmations. Feels a little weird, but I think it will work. Thank you so much. <3