“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy
What if you simply devoted this year to loving yourself? An easy question in theory, right? Self love can mean something different to everybody. Maybe self love to you is getting your hair and nails done, working out, or treating yourself to dinner and a movie. Without self love, it’s easy to lose the strength and courage to make it through tough times. So, what would it take to love yourself 365 days a year?
Self love, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is to regard one’s own well-being and happiness. It’s often misconstrued with narcissistic behaviors and large egos, commonly thinking of yourself first, your own-well being and placing your needs before everyone else’s, however, self love is deeper than just thinking about yourself. It is about loving yourself and who you are so that you don’t get lost in the turmoil of trying to be someone you’re not. It is realizing that you are perfect the way you are and practicing just that. Love your body, love your style, love yourself. But, why is it that important to show self love?
Lacking self love creates an increase in shame, toxicity, fatigue and exhaustion. Self love is the foundation for genuinely loving another and allowing yourself to be loved in return. It fosters confidence, positivity and happiness that attracts people and keeps them in your life. Your relationships will flourish as you will become a more positive person with a renewed perspective on life. Boudoir photography is a great first step towards your journey into self love.
Boudoir photography is often seen as something for people with a certain body type or image. It’s commonly perceived as only looking sexy and turning men (or others) on. NEWS FLASH! Boudoir isn’t for “sexy” bodies, it’s for EVERY body! Boudoir photography is less about sex and textbook beauty, and more about what makes each woman uniquely beautiful and sexy. You may be surprised to read this, but even the most beautiful women can struggle with self love.
Self love is journey you can start today and, like any journey, it will have its ups and downs. Stop telling yourself “I’ll start when I lose these few extra pounds…” or “If only I didn’t have stretch marks…” and realize you are enough! Right now! Today! Boudoir is not a prize, it’s a step along the journey of loving yourself.
