When did you last update your self-image?

Fuzzy photo by Abbey

When I was skiing at Mt Buller, my instructor made an observation about me: "You're athletic."

"Hahahahaha! Me? Athletic?!" I laughed later to Steve.

"But... you are," he said. And he wasn't being even slightly sarcastic.

I tend to think of myself as I was years ago. As a kid, I'd do anything to avoid sport. I'd complain of being sick, I'd tell a male teacher I had period pain week after week, and hide in the library at lunchtime to avoid any sport-like activities that might be underway.

Lots of things have changed. The me of yesteryear took one look at dirt and walked back inside, hid behind my Mum's legs with total shyness, and complained about walking five minutes to the shops.

These days, I'm completely different; it's just weird to think of myself this "new" way, though. Ask me to describe myself and I'd probably still describe my traits as a child and teenager - and then you'd look at me and think I'm a bit odd for using that description.

Part of a personality is determined by circumstance, too. I was a certain way as a kid for self-preservation, i.e. trying not to be noticed. These days I'm okay with being seen.

Maybe now, being in my 30s, is a good time to update my self-image.

Do you still see yourself as you were, rather than how you are?