fitting room reflections

This past weekend I was trying on swimsuits. Every woman’s favorite pastime, I’m sure.

I wasn’t thrilled about what I saw in the mirror, under those harsh fluorescent lights. The tops didn’t really hold in the breasts that spent so many months nursing my babies. The high-waist bottoms didn’t cover as much as I wanted them to. What is even the point of those?!

Negative thoughts kept creeping into my head… picking apart my flaws and wishing for something “better.”

I spend my days photographing women in their most vulnerable and beautiful state. I constantly remind them how stunning they are, inside and out. How proud of them I am for baring their bodies and souls in front of my camera.

I thought of those women. Would I say to them the thoughts I was having about my own body?

And then there are my two daughters. Never, ever would I tell them, or even think, that they are anything less than beautiful, cherished, special, and wonderful… no matter what the mirror, society, or they tell themselves.

To be honest, it took some effort to stop the critical thoughts I was having. But I did it, like I’ve done many times before. Eventually, if you consciously shut out negative thoughts and self-talk, they will happen less often. It’s fascinating, and also difficult. But worth it.

I’m worth believing that I’m beautiful, just as I am right now. You are too, my friend.

As a side note:

I know I talk about body positivity and beauty all. the. time. In fact, both are big topics right now, and rightfully so. Women have been told for far too long that their worth lies in their appearance and if society deems it adequate or not.

It is so important to me to do what I can to change that, and it starts with me. Will you stand with me, right now, and start thinking positively about yourself? The more we do it, the more we will believe it.