The Big But...

"I really want to get pictures done, but...."

Ope, hold up. I'm going to stop you right there. Don't you dare tell me that you aren't satisfied with your bo

dy. Because around here, we fiercely believe that all bodies are good bodies. All bodies are beautiful bodies. And all bodies are worthy to be photographed and appreciated.

I've had four kids. I know a thing or two about stretch mark, mama pooches, hair lose, and saggy breasts. But guess what? Women all around the world experience those things. I know for a fact that if you were to pick up a magazine with women of all shapes, sizes, and colors, you'd be able to identify at least one thing you like about the person photographed. Maybe she has beautiful eyes. Or her dress is a great color. Maybe she has perfectly tousled beach waves. At least one thing though. Now, close your eyes and envision this scenario; It's your picture in the magazine. Surprise! Do you know what would happen? Other women would find something about you and your picture that they like. Strangers like your appearance--it's high time you learn to like it too.

Why are we talking about this? Because the grass is always greener on the other side. We are programmed to want what we don't have. Then once we achieve it--we want something else! It's this constant search of happiness. It leaves us burnt out and angry. And I say enough! I'm done chasing an ideal body type. Instead, I'm gong to eat foods that taste good and fuel my soul as well as my body. I'm going to move my body because it feels good. When my body says, "OK, too much. Let's rest." I'm going to listen to her.

Your words matter. Your self-talk matters. You hear it every single day and eventually those little people that live in your home or your community start picking up on those things too. Size, skin color, gender-identify, and sexual orientation all matter when it comes to representation in child's books and media. So, start small. Get your photo taken and get it hung up on the wall in your home. Change your Instagram pic to you in the bikini--and not just the one that's taken from above. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. If your body is offending someone--they can buzz off. You do not need that negativity in your life. I am over society policing women about their bodies and shaming them for not being a size two.

So, get the darn photos taken. Maybe you'll lose weight or get that miracle bra that's been on your FYP on TikTok for the last month. Great, get more pictures taken then! But right now, your image needs to be represented in your home. And better yet, I want you to look at those photos of you with your babies every single day and I want you to say, "I love this life I've created. I love myself. I am valuable and lovable.“ Because that’s the message girls and women everywhere need to hear.

Fat, heavy-weight, plus-sized, etc. are not bad things. They are simply adjectives. They have no positives or negatives associated with them. Just descriptive words. Your gravitational pull on this earth does not define you or make you less worthy.

So, no more buts, or butts. Get your behind in front of the camera. Wear the crop top and bikini if you like it. You are beautiful the way you are, and you need to be seen. No matter how big or small you are.