The Selfie Nobody Posts

I was scrolling through old photos the other day, looking for pictures from some of my travels. The polished photos were great - great lighting, the perfect smile, hair behaving itself, makeup just right.

But you know which photos stopped me?

The selfies.

You know the ones. Half your head is missing because you couldn't quite fit yourself into the frame. One arm is stretched out at an awkward angle. The expression on your face is anything but glamorous. Maybe the wind has completely destroyed your hair, or you're sweaty after climbing a hill.

When you're travelling solo - or just doing life solo - getting that perfect photo can be a real challenge. But maybe that's the point.

Those imperfect selfies become some of our greatest memories, and that's what really counts.

The selfies nobody posts are often the ones we remember most.

And yet, those are the photos that instantly transport me back to that exact moment.

I don't remember the perfect pose nearly as well as I remember the selfie I took after walking miles through London, or standing in front of the theatre trying to get me and the name of the theatre in the photo, standing on a dock in Brighton with the wind whipping my hair everywhere, or sitting in a café feeling incredibly proud that I'd figured out a new city all by myself... while wondering how on earth a latte, a bagel, and avocado could possibly cost $46.00!

Those imperfect photos tell the real story.

For many years, I don't think I would have shared a photo unless I looked my best. I worried about what people would think. I wanted everything to look polished and put together.

Looking back, I realize that was also a reflection of the life I was living at the time.

Now?

I'm still happy when I take a great picture. I don't think that will ever change. But I've also learned that life isn't lived in perfect photographs. As I've started this Jackie Doing Jackie journey - travelling solo, trying things that once scared me, and building a life that's completely my own - I've become much more comfortable showing up exactly as I am.

Not because I don't care what people think. I do. But I care more about living the experience than creating the perfect image of it.

Years from now, I won't remember whether my hair looked good that day.

• I'll remember how brave I felt.

• I'll remember getting lost... and finding my way.

• I'll remember laughing at myself.

• I'll remember that amazing Cornish pasty.

• I'll remember standing somewhere I never imagined I'd have the courage to visit alone.

And chances are, the photo that brings all those memories rushing back won't be the perfect one.

It'll be the selfie nobody posts.

So here's my challenge for you. Take the selfie. Not because it's Instagram-worthy. Not because your hair is perfect. Not because you've found the best angle. Take it because one day it might become the photo that reminds you of the day you said yes to your life.

Sometimes the imperfect picture tells the most beautiful story.

If you're brave enough, post one of your imperfect selfies in the comments. I'd love to see the moments that make you smile.

Let's give a shout-out to the selfie nobody posts.

Keep saying yes to your life.
Jackie ❤️
Jackie Doing Jackie

About Jackie

After more than 30 years helping communities through disasters, Jackie Kloosterboer is now focused on a different journey - her own. When a 15-year relationship unexpectedly ended, Jackie found herself rebuilding more than a future - she was rediscovering herself.

"Jackie Doing Jackie" is about solo travel, meaningful work, theatre, coffee shops, reinvention, and learning to fully live again. Because preparedness matters… but so does choosing yourself.