Project Unmasked

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Day 30. Pardon my French but *holy sh*t I made it!" I can't believe the journey I've been blessed with these past 30 days. It feels so good to actually finish something for once! The people who have graced with me with their love, understanding, and encouragement. The love that I've shown myself. I'm back in New York City for the weekend and *sigh* home sweet home it is. I saw a few of my co-workers who saw me go through a horrible cystic acne phase when I caked on makeup to hide my skin rather than let it breathe. They were amazed at how much my skin has cleared up. And it definitely has! I know that quitting drinking was definitely related. I think the rest is really just hormonal changes that my body has been going through. Anyway, despite having grown up in NJ for most of my life, NYC was my last hoorah before I got clean, and I did a lot of growing up out there. I'm going to start working towards moving back out here eventually, something that I thought was impossible a year and a half ago. I will post a video wrap-up soon. Until then stay beautiful.

Day 28. It just occurred to me that none of these pictures really have shown me without my hair done. So here I am, without even having put a brush to my hair. This is as bare-boned as you'll ever see me so take it in while you can. There is something so refreshing about not having to pretend anymore. Not having to pretend that I always love myself, that I have it as together as everyone thinks I do. There is something so empowering about reminding everyone, and most importantly, myself that I am just a mere human, placed on this Earth to do the Universe's work and help someone else along their journey. I've come to the conclusion that it's the only way I'll ever be happy, if I can help someone get through something I've already survived.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Day 27. I snuck this one in right under the wire! Today is Thanksgiving Eve, which for me, means a time to gather with friends. As you can tell, I'm not wearing my finest bar-hopping attire. This is my second Holiday Season being clean and it feels good to continue on my journey of self-discovery and self-improvement by challenging myself. I'm truly grateful for the opportunities that my new lifestyle has offered me, because a year and a half ago I never would've have the courage our enCOURAGEment that I would've needed to begin, continue, and (hopefully) complete project unmasked. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and for those of you who are out tonight, please be safe!

Day 26. Is it totally obvious that my hair is inspired by Katniss Everdeen's character? I'm feeling a bit better today, but with only 4 more days of the challenge, I'm getting kind of antsy to move on...I'm excited for the holidays coming up and what December has to bring... Stay tuned!

Day 25. Mondays are hard enough as it is, especially after a long, luxurious weekend of doing next to nothing. Throw in some excruciatingly painful lady issues,and this is the face you can expect from me. But the day wasn't all bad. I finally got around to seeing "Catching Fire" and it was very impressive. Jennifer Lawrence is a total babe and I love that she portrays such a strong, independent, yet caring and loving woman. Better yet, I like and respect her as an actress; she strikes me as someone whom celebrity has not yet tainted, still genuine.  

Day 24. After a long weekend of relaxation and catching up with friends, I think you can tell that I feel pretty at ease in this picture. I saw friends who I hadn't seen in a long time and they made no mention of me looking any different. They might've just been being nice, but then again these are people who have known me for a long time and have seen me without makeup plenty of times. It's nice to just feel like myself again.

Day 23. Thinking of all the powerful and amazing women I have in my life and how I am so fortunate to have them I'm my corner at all times. It's so easy for me to lose sight of that and to get off track... then, out of nowhere, God will put someone in my path who reminds me that I am useful, I have a purpose to fulfill, even if just for today. My life is beautiful and it's all thanks to the God of my understanding and the people who choose to participate in my life. Feeling super blessed.

I'm not sure why this is considered newsworthy... Kate Middleton is a beautiful woman whether she's "got her face on" or not. Frankly, I'm more concerned about the bird-theme plates she picked out!

Day 22. I can't believe I've made it this far. I've gotten really used to seeing my face without makeup now. I'm finally starting to feel more confident in my own skin, which is more than I could ever have hoped for!

http://instagram.com/p/hAINZ6niiD/

The only flaw with this is that it neglects to mention that men are affected by this. Poor men who need obsess over losing weight, enlarging their privates, having bigger muscles and being the best at everything... No, I don't think I envy them either.

Day 20.

Roxane Masson

My big sister always saves the day.

Day 18 An unseasonably warm day for November in New Jersey so I had my lunch outside today. Strange thing, I always feel better when I'm in the sunlight, even if it's only for a short amount of time. It boosts my mood, even when summer is long gone. Speaking of summer, I miss my super blonde hair and my tan.  I had also promised myself that I wouldn't self-tan while I'm doing my 30 day challenge. So far, I've upheld that end of the bargain. I know it might seem silly to some, especially men who can't really identify, but believe me when I say that this is difficult. It's hard not to go back to putting a full face of makeup on when you feel flat- out hideous that day. When you're feeling bloated, or sad, or insecure, or you're having a bad hair day, it's nice to be able to cover up all of that with the sweep of a brush. Without it, I'm forced to face everything, literally and figuratively. It's not as easy as it looks, and yes, it does take a lot of guts.