Isn’t it just the best feeling when you notice a positive shift around an area of your life that used to drive you insane?
That happened to me recently. Last week my favorite photographer came over and took updated photos of me for my new PCOS coaching website, that’s coming soon! I used to hate having photos taken of me and would feel completely drained afterward. After a shoot, I’d somehow always get a bad headache and want to crash on the couch.
Then when the proofs came, I would totally cringe. I’d look at everything that was wrong with me. “Ewww my arm looks so fat in that picture,” and ask my husband, “Is my face really that wide?” Then when I’d pick my favorite photos to have edited, I’d always choose whatever photos hid my body best and made me look the thinnest. Can you relate?
Seeing photos of myself was such a huge trigger, and videos—forget about it..even worse! I felt like what I looked like in photos, didn’t line up with how I saw myself in real life.
This time around was different though. I did some mental work ahead of time, knowing that my brain would want to criticize myself in the photos. I decided ahead of time that no matter what, I was going to like them and was going to be kind to myself.
What happened was absolutely amazing. I felt very present during the shoot. I had fun, I laughed, I got all of the shots that I wanted. The photographer showed me the pictures throughout and… I LOVED them!
When I received the proofs I had a really hard time picking my top 10. I loved so many! That was NEVER the case before—and it had nothing to do with the photo quality. It had everything to do with my relationship with myself and my body.
Sometimes it’s hard to see how far you’ve come until you have a direct experience like this. It got me curious…was there one thing in particular that helped me change or was it the many small things?
When I look back, I believe it all started with my intention. A couple of years ago I decided that I didn’t want to hate my body anymore. I looked around for resources, started following people in the body positive world on Instagram, and I even hired a body image coach to help me get to the other side. I wouldn’t say that one of these in particular got me to the place I’m in now, but I can say that the intention to get here was what did. And that’s where it starts!
I wholeheartedly believe that once you put an intention out there, the teachers come, the resources come, and what you need to get there will come to fruition. It is your job to see it, and follow that guidance.
I’m curious, what is your intention? And remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. Just know that they are on their way!
In health & happiness,
Jamie
