I never thought I would have the confidence to do a photoshoot. Especially one where I was wearing nothing! I have struggled with body image and self love for most of my life. I have always compared myself to others and wondered why I couldn't measure up. Kids to adults have been cruel throughout my life. I have had many people try to bring me down for different reasons from my teeth before braces to my weight changes.
I have struggled with eating disorders, depression, anxiety and self harm. I have to choose every day to fight to rise above it and have realized life is more than trying to fit in and measuring up to a certain "standard". I also reaIized the standards I've had for myself are unrealistic because everyone is unique in their own way.
Another thing I've struggled with is different health issues from 9 years old being diagnosed with a thyroid disease and at age 25 being diagnosed with bells palsy. Dealing with this has honestly made it hard to not lose confidence in myself but I try everyday to be positive, take care of myself and love myself because if you don't love yourself and see yourself as positive its hard to do the same for others.
I randomly did this shoot with Katie because I wanted a special Christmas gift to my husband. I felt nervous about it at first because I was afraid how big my body would look or if my nerves started spasming in my face how funny I would look. But after seeing the pictures I smiled and looked at myself differently seeing my beauty that Katie captured made me feel good. I would highly recommend Katie, she is so sweet and makes you feel comfortable and gorgeous and takes amazing pictures!
