CuriositiesJUN 29, 2021

30 “Ugly Ducklings” Share Their Incredible Transformations Into Beautiful Swans (New Pics)

Mindaugas Balčiauskas and Liucija Adomaite

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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.

#1 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!

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!

Brokenpun4one

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270points

#2 18 - 23 Went Through A Weightloss Journey And Learnt How To Look After And Groom Myself

Liam61961

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254points

#3 Me At 13 vs. Me At 27 Do I Belong Here?

Ms_UmUmIStutter

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230points

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.

#4 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

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

saan555

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229points

#5 Me At 25, College Dropout, Living In My Car vs. Me At 33, About To Finish My Phd!

SnooDonuts7954

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227points

#6 Maybe Not As Drastic As Others Here, But I Feel Like I’ve Had A Bit Of A Glow Up (2012-Present)

scoot_da_fut

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205points

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.