A Week With No Mirrors! Yes, the latest Dove campaign, the 7-Day No Mirror Challenge.

It’s over. I’ve done it. I survived.

Amazing, isn’t it?

At some point, 7 days seemed long. Twas probably right before I accepted the challenge but now that it’s over, it feels like I breezed through the entire thing and is left wanting for more. Ha. Odd. I reckon the joy of discovery overwhelmed me, video editing in particular (I heart iMovie).

The week certainly was composed of good and bad things all balanced out. Sick days (Day 6 & Day 7) prodded me to tinker with MrBoo and get my arse to finally tackle the task of documenting and blogging my No Mirror experience. Good thing since the challenge was almost over. Egad. I’m pretty new to the whole video/filming/editing thing so clips are, er, clips. Visual aids and a matter of wit in delivering what was asked of an ambassador.

Admittedly, the challenge was not too much of a hassle on my part. I can do without makeup on most days but it’s the grooming part that got to me. I reckon I’ve mentioned this at least a couple of times before and it still rings true today. I will always need a mirror for basic needs. But, I do occasionally enjoy it for vanity reasons as well. Hehe.

What this experience gave me is the reinforcement of certain insights that may have grown cobwebs at the back of my mind, or perhaps reminded me of cliches that had already ran bald from use. There are individuals who have relied on physical attributes to sell themselves, masking personalities; shadowing character. They believe that personal image can be packaged around makeshift looks, style and yes, even who they know or hang out with.

A nature trip has helped remind me of essentials and fundamentals. A landscape often described as majestic, wonderful, amazing, gorgeous and, yes, beautiful which didn’t require a mirror to tell itself of such truth in description. No cosmetic nor artificial supplement to enhance its beauty.

The task of filming and editing videos paved the way for me to realise that something simple can be made into something better or even great. It’s not the equipment or location or cast of individuals in it but the eye, creativity and patience to make a cohesive piece. Beauty can indeed be found anywhere, just make sure you’re paying attention.

Here’s Day 5, Day 6 and Day 7 all in one clip:

I didn’t make a spectacle of “avoiding” mirrors because, like the rest of this exercise, it’s all in your head. I simply chose to ignore my reflection (apart from the outright covering of main mirror in my room). I opted not to examine my skin, hair, outfits, etc closely or at lengthy periods of time, know what I mean? I had hoped that you folks will see that instead of dwelling on the limitations, what I did was explore the opportunities, kept my mind and hands busy with other things and did my best to maintain a certain amount of normalcy. Then I focused on creatively visualising this very message.

Looking at myself at the end of the challenge, I can’t say my skin turned magically soft and smooth. Though I admit that the Dove Beauty Bar is one bar soap that I may consider using (I’m such a Dove fan) even after the challenge. My skin is softer and clearer than it was on previous weeks leading up to the period of the 7-Day No Mirror Challenge. But since I subjected my skin to not-so-normal sun and altitude (not to mention water with high mineral-content) plus the sick days, late nights and stress, I wasn’t really expecting outstanding results. Now, I’m actually thankful that Dove helped moisturise my skin all throughout.

As for needing a mirror like my life depended on it? No. Never have. Never will. But I can still appreciate it though! LOL.

I’d like to leave you with this small note that a guy (R) sent my way a few years ago —

“Scarred people are beautiful.”

Think about it.

Related Read:
DOVE 7-Day No Mirror Challenge: Day 1 and 2
DOVE 7-Day No Mirror Challenge: Day 3 and 4
Dove 7-Day No Mirror Challenge: The Mirror Days (An Epilogue)