For virtually all of my adult life, I've hated my body.
On hundreds of occasions I've tried to change it; shrink it; hide it; and above all, avoid looking at it - in a mirror; in the reflection of a shop window; and most especially, in photos. I've been ashamed and embarrassed of my flabby stomach, my big thighs, my fleshy arms.
At the beginning of 2015 my world was turned upside down. The life that I'd known and the future that I'd dreamed of were suddenly, irrevocably, ripped from my hands. I was plunged into a pit of despair, hopelessness and self-loathing. Three years later after relentless hard work and countless therapy sessions, I'd almost dug myself out of the pit, and although for the first time in my life I had learned to love the person who I was on the inside, I still couldn't look in the mirror without those familiar and derogatory messages about my body, chanting in my head.
And thus began my project of learning to like all of me - inside and out - as I am right now.
I didn't want to spend the rest of my life hating such an integral part of who I am! So I decided to try and change my internal dialogue, to learn how to appreciate this body that has faithfully carried and sustained me for all of these years. While "loving myself" seemed too foreign and unattainable a concept, "acceptance" seemed to be a goal I might eventually reach.
So I posted a poem about body image on my bathroom wall; I hung a sign above my mirror; I became very aware of the self-deprecating words I use on a daily basis; and
I began to counter the familiar ''Yuk'' thoughts with ''I'm so grateful for this body.''
All of those little steps started to make a minor improvement in how I felt about myself.
And then I was offered a voucher for a photo shoot with Laurie - and my self-improvement project was challenged to its limits.
My immediate reaction was ''Oh hell no! Why would I want to subject myself to that?!''
I immediately started to mentally list all the reasons why this was the worst idea EVER:
1) I hate to have my picture taken
2) I am not photogenic
3) I never smile naturally for a picture
4) I don't need photographic evidence to support the belief that I am fat and unattractive
5) with a skilled aesthetician, an amazing photographer and the right lighting, anyone can look good - so you can't trust the process; and finally
6) I would just be wasting Laurie's time since there's zero chance that I would actually buy even one photo of myself
My decision was made.
It was a crazy idea.
I wouldn't give it another moment's thought ... and yet I simply couldn't stop thinking about it. As I lay in bed that night I came to the conclusion that I wasn't being honest with myself. I'd been telling anyone who'd listen that I was on "a journey to improve my self-image" .. and yet when I was presented with an opportunity to see myself from a totally different perspective, I immediately rejected the idea. I realized that that very reaction was reason enough to accept the offer. Taking such a huge step was affirmation that I truly did want to change, and that I was willing to step WAY outside my comfort zone to do so.
On the day of the shoot, Laurie helped me to relax, have fun, and most of all to feel pretty.
It was such a treat to be pampered, and to have the focus entirely on me (something I typically strenuously avoid).
Then during the Reveal, with her encouragement and the support of my friend who'd accompanied me, I began to see the person that those who love me, have always seen. What a revelation! What a marvelous surprise! My body hadn't changed since pre-shoot .. but my perception had begun to shift. And I decided at that moment to make an investment in me - by purchasing a few photos to remind myself of that day and especially, of my journey to self-acceptance.
I still have a long way to go;
this change in lifelong beliefs will definitely take some time.
The photos have become a touchstone for that change.
I look at them often - especially on days when I'm having difficulty turning off the negative soundtrack. I remind myself that the beautiful woman in those photos is actually ME! Lately I've been saying to that woman: "I need to appreciate you more; to treat you better; you deserve to be adored".
I am truly grateful for Laurie and the gifts she has given me
- helping and encouraging me to feel comfortable enough to have my photo taken; capturing the true essence of me; and showing me that I am beautiful.
Being brave enough to book the photo shoot was one of the kindest gifts I could have given myself. Becoming a friend to myself in the process was just a bonus.
6 Comments
Jan 29, 2019, 6:51:06 AM
Laurie Brown - Right? It is so common to feel this way, but many people stay with those thoughts. Changing that inner dialogue is important and life-changing. Bravo Deneise!
Jan 28, 2019, 11:16:02 PM
Rhonda Shannon - Very positive read. I feel the same was as Deneise did.
Jan 17, 2019, 1:34:35 PM
Laurie Brown - I agree, Arianne, you chose the perfect person for this. Deneise is so beautiful inside and out! Thank you, once again, for making my day with your kind words. You are the best! :D
Jan 17, 2019, 1:26:57 PM
Arianne - I am sitting in a coffee shop and I have tears in my eyes as I read this. Deneise is one of my closest friends and it pained me to know she looked at herself with such self-deprecating lenses- that is why I chose her as the recipient of this photo shoot. To me, she is one of the most beautiful women that I know and I desperately wanted her to see herself as we all do. I am not at all surprised that her experience was as magical as it was, because, Laurie, you helped her inner and outer beauty meet one another. Her photos are stunning! Thank you, Laurie, for doing what you do and helping women open themselves differently.
Jan 17, 2019, 10:10:28 AM
Laurie Brown - Thank you Gabriela for your encouraging words, it means a lot to me and I'm sure Deneise will love the positive feedback as well! Laurie xo
Jan 17, 2019, 9:44:27 AM
Gabriela - Amazing story Deneise! And the photos that Laurie took seem to show the true Deneise, a beautiful woman with strength to carry her journey with grace! Stay true to your journey and take one step at a time. Smile to life everyday and be kind to yourself all the time. I wish you the best! Gabriela