Yes, that’s me…right there…with the “I am happy with who I am!” sign! That’s me with the cellulite, double chin, and lovely fat rolls hidden behind the sign. Never EVER thought I would be sitting here sharing my vulnerability to the world but here I am! Never have I been a thin person. Close to thin a time or two but never a constant. But you know what? I have finally embraced my curves…I own them…I work them.
A great friend of mine and an amazing fellow photog (Keyla Jones of www.gracemichaelphotography.com) approached me about a project she is doing called “I Am Not Ashamed: Embrace the Curves”. It’s about loving yourself, not being ashamed of how you look and believing in yourself. Now, let me tell you at first I wasn’t too sure how I felt about being in my bathing suit in front of the camera and sharing with all of you my physical faults, but after I thought it through, I decided this is a no brainer! This isn’t just for myself but for my two daughters who I want to raise to be confident women. I don’t want them to ever doubt their self-worth based on opinions of others or how the world views they should look.
I was bullied in school, amongst peers and even around people who love me. Being told you are fat and ugly is something that penetrates and cuts so deep. I can’t tell you that the scars and pain are not still there but what I can tell you is they are faint slivers of a once
insecure young girl who grew into a confident women who no longer walks around with her head down hoping to not be looked at with a disgusted glare but with her head held high, working these curves, wanting more. It took time, it took support and love from my family and friends and it for sure took life’s lessons but here I am, defined by who I am and NOT by a number on the scale.
My story doesn’t end here, friends. It’s just the beginning of more to come. As you read this, I want you to know that I do realize the need to be healthy and of course the most important…a great example to my children. So even though I have come to a point in my life that I’ve embraced my curves, I have also come to the “T” in the road. It’s time for me to make that turn to a healthier me. So here’s to the next chapter of my life! Oh and I must say, KEYLA JONES, get ready…because once I achieve the “healthier me”, get your camera out because I’ll be workin’ it!
To the bullies: Eat your heart out! 🙂
I must add a HUGE thank you to my awesome partner-in-crime, Michelle Archer of Glamify & Heart and Soul avant~garde (www.heartandsoulag.com), for her superb rock-star styling and killer ninja make-up abilities… ❤ you gurl! 🙂
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Michelle Foley is a professional photographer capturing the essence of emotion in all things life…
To learn more about Rylee Madison Photography, please check out her website and facebook page for the latest and greatest at:
www.ryleemadisonphotography.com
www.facebook.com/heartandsoulag
www.facebook.com/ryleemadisonphotography
info@ryleemadisonphotography.com * 317.223.5184
Rylee Madison Photography 