This image is the only non-selfie in the collection. Four-year-old me is wearing a dress, holding a baby doll and my mother's purse. Out of the frame are my mother's high heels, which I absolutely refused to put on. I am embarrassed, and won't look directly at the camera.
In this moment I realized that I was never going to be the child my parents wanted me to be, but I would never again be anything but my authentic self, as best I understood that. Looking back, I am amazed at the strength and honesty I displayed.