Everyone had their fair share of blunder years and whether we like it or not, there are still pieces of evidence hiding deep in the dusty shelves at your parents’ house. No one dares to touch it, and you’re not allowed to reclaim those photos.
But while people change, some change beyond recognition, pushing their genes, spirits and good looks up to the very max. Known as ‘ugly duckling’ transformations, these before and after photos serve as a testament to the beauty of change. And although it takes persistence and hard work, demands sacrifices and invites you into a battle with your inner demons, the final result seems worth it when you see people smile in their eyes.
So no, it’s not quite like growing out of your blunder years, it’s figuring out how to unite your inner and outer worlds and become the person who you really are. Psst! More inspiring posts on ugly ducklings-turned swans are waiting here, here and here.
This post may include affiliate links.
32 vs. 37. 75 Lbs Lost, Picked Up A Skincare Routine, Brushed Up My Makeup Skills, Cut My Hair, Got Some Bangs, Still Working On Getting Some More Confidence You Can Glow Up At Any Age!
18 - 23 Went Through A Weightloss Journey And Learnt How To Look After And Groom Myself
Me At 13 vs. Me At 27 Do I Belong Here?
Being an ugly duckling, which takes its name from Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, refers to glowing up and developing into an attractive and successful person as opposed to what one has been before in their early days. But many people grew up with the idea of being an “ugly duckling” when they were kids and for some, it still follows them into their adult life.
Depressed, Lost, Demotivated Because Of Chronic Tinnitus And Hearing Loss, But I've Decided To Take Things In Hand And Make It Better, Here I Am After 4 Months Of Transformation Journey.. Still Got Miles To Go
DAAAAMMNNNN. ..... YOU ARE LOOKING GREAT. I love how u said u were taking matters into ur hands, I wish I wouldve so many years ago.. I'm 62, & not to happy with my life. Pat ur self on the back my friend, GOOD U YOU ..
Me At 25, College Dropout, Living In My Car vs. Me At 33, About To Finish My Phd!
Maybe Not As Drastic As Others Here, But I Feel Like I’ve Had A Bit Of A Glow Up (2012-Present)
As a result, even if this is a positive and celebrated transformation, many people can suffer lasting emotional effects. For example, ugly duckling syndrome can be a reason why so many of us can’t take compliments and see stares from people of the opposite sex as insults.
Moreover, those who have ever seen themselves as ugly ducklings can struggle to realize the power of their natural beauty. Most importantly, people who glowed up later in their lives are now much more likely to judge a book by what’s inside rather than its cover. Appreciation of inner beauty is a beautiful thing that enriches humans in profound ways.
First Picture 19f, Second One 22f, Third One 23f. Farewell To 4~ Years Of Depression And Excess Weight!
15 vs. 21
13 vs. 26 I Just Don't Know What To Say
You were a cute child back then! Now you´re a woman -that is completely different story.
10 To 20 To 30. Thank Goodness I Found Some Better Glasses & Stopped With The Rawr Hand
19 To 23. Therapy And Excersice Certainly Made A Change Mentally And Physically. Still Struggling With Confidence And Selflove But All Good Things Take Time. Slow And Steady
13 To 29 - Puberty Helped Me Out
Dropped 73lbs And Picked Up 65
10,18, 29~ A Lot Has Changed Every Eight Years
16-20 Been Battling With Self Hate And Depression For Years, 2020 Was The Year I Wanted To Look After Myself
When Puberty Hits You Like A Bus…
18-28. It’s Been A Long Road
12 To 20, A Lot Changed Along The Way, I’m Glad To Be Where I’m At Now
13-26 Improved My Style Ever So Slightly
You look like a girl on 90 day fiancé she was Colts second wife. I can’t remember her name but she had an amazing accent & loved cats.
18/19 vs. 21! One Of My Proudest Achievements
(12, 19, 20) I Was Always Self Conscious About How I Looked
13 To 30. Middle School Sucked
18 To 25
Left - Oscar Wilde, love it. Right - James Potter - definitely love it.
17//20 I'm Happier And Healthier Now. Can't Believe That Was Me Tho
Finally Let The Hair Curl. Did A Lot
Okay, it's been about ten minutes now, I think it's time to stop staring at this picture.
12 And 26 - I Was Pretty Cool Back Then Tho
Last Week vs. Today
14 To 22.... I'll Never Forget How Much I Thought I Rocked That Bow
12 - 23 Years - What A Wild Ride!
Me At 12 vs. 30
Exactly. Let kids be kids. We have enough of pressure down to young ages..
Load More Replies...why are people calling themselves "ugly ducklings" "ugly swans" "ugly" in general, its such a lack of empowerment. We are beautiful in every photo, in every stage of our lives. Come on people stop with the self-shaming!
I agree. These posts only contribute to the general body shaming and preassure that people feel all the time. Its telling you that you are not good enough. That you are fat, not muscular, nor pretty enough. That you need x hair cut or style, you need makeup or surgery, you need expensive clothes.
Load More Replies...I always feel some sort of way when I read these as "Ugly Ducklings" and realize I never had one of these "glow ups".
Agreed, I feel I look just as awkward now aa when I was a kid, I have lost a bit of weight since then due to health issues but nothing this drastic
Load More Replies...Exactly. Let kids be kids. We have enough of pressure down to young ages..
Load More Replies...why are people calling themselves "ugly ducklings" "ugly swans" "ugly" in general, its such a lack of empowerment. We are beautiful in every photo, in every stage of our lives. Come on people stop with the self-shaming!
I agree. These posts only contribute to the general body shaming and preassure that people feel all the time. Its telling you that you are not good enough. That you are fat, not muscular, nor pretty enough. That you need x hair cut or style, you need makeup or surgery, you need expensive clothes.
Load More Replies...I always feel some sort of way when I read these as "Ugly Ducklings" and realize I never had one of these "glow ups".
Agreed, I feel I look just as awkward now aa when I was a kid, I have lost a bit of weight since then due to health issues but nothing this drastic
Load More Replies...