Why I Didn’t Photoshop the Author’s Photo for My Book

Why I Didn’t Photoshop the Author’s Photo for My Book

A simple smile. That's the start of opening your heart and being compassionate to others. -Dalai Lama

“Please send us your author’s photo for The Power of Days by next week,” my publisher asked. A fair enough request. But selfies are not my favorite pastime. I am most often the one taking photos, not being featured in them. And the ones I had were overused. I needed a new photo. None of the photos that I had considered were quite right.

Just when I had decided to go without, both of my daughters snapped some new options for me. We quickly selected one and sent it forward, one day after my expected deadline—without a single digital edit. 1) My daughter did my makeup for me. Enough said. 2) The crinkles at the corners of my eyes are not wrinkles. They are twinkles.

I first figured that out when I was about seven. A special speaker that everyone was excited to meet came to our church. Honestly, I don’t remember anything that he said. But I do remember his eyes. He smiled so big that his eyes had lines that smiled all the way to the side of his face. I pondered how he could have gotten such great “twinkles”. I realized that it must be his smile. I decided then and there that I better get started if I was going to get such great twinkles. True story.

I’ve been mostly smiling ever since. His message may have been meaningful but the twinkle in his eyes were the lesson that helped me to shape the attitude of gratitude that is with me to this day.

That is why my photo is unedited.

Because these are not wrinkles. They are twinkles.

We get to define and choose what we value. I’m choosing love, learning, connection, strength, wellness, and yes, twinkles. What about you? May we all grow more twinkles.

With gratitude,

Celeste

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Discover for yourself why Celeste's #1 New Release Bestseller, The Power of Days has over 100 Five-star Reviews (See inside the book jacket for the photo we chose. The cover features girls from Malawi with Days for Girls Kits in a photo courtesy of Mite.org and Days for Girls International ).

#Mindset #EmbracetheTwinkle #gratitude #ThePowerofDays

Jerri Lynn Hogg

Media Psychologist, Keynote Speaker, Author, Art of Digital Living

1y

I like your smile lines. Authenticity matters. While you might want to put on your Sunday best, you still need to look like you to enhance the connection with your audience and, in this case, your reader.

Aesha Tahir

Helping Indviduals and Organizations Thrive with Wellbeing Tools | Exercise Physiologist 💪 | Keynote Speaker 🌟| Podcaster Host 🎙️| Panelist | Corporate Wellness Specialist | Award Winning Author 📚| Freelance Writer

1y

Celeste Mergens I love your decision to show up authentically. My favorite part of the post is: "Because these are not wrinkles. They are twinkles."

Nancy Burger

Keynote Speaker | Executive Coach | Founder, The Fear Finding Project

1y

While the tech that lets us edit ourselves so easily can be exciting and fun to play around with, it's so important that we keep putting the real stuff out there. How else will future generations know what we really looked like? Thanks for sharing your message and your twinkles! ✨

Alexandra Suchman

Team Builder | Change Catalyst | Speaker | Facilitator | Game Enthusiast | Humanist | Tap Dancer

1y

Beautifully said, thank you!

Cheryl Mucha, CPA

Business Profitability Expert | Business Panel Emcee | Author

1y

Beautifully refreshing - there's nothing better and more impressive than authenticity!

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