It is a journey, which will be different for all of us. It is easy to be caught up in the business of life, but it is important that we start this journey for our own well-being.
Start your self-love journey by creating a list of things that you enjoy doing. It can include a boudoir photoshoot, dancing, swimming, or getting a massage. Plan to engage in at least one of these things with intention this.
S – Solitude –
Take some time away from scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, and whatever else that drains you. Now just as Teddy Pendergrass’s song says ”Turn off the lights and light a candle”. Take a long bubble bath or shower, listen to your favourite music. For me, the candlelight will calm my brain and slow my thoughts down. I am present in that moment, breathing slowly, enjoying how the water feels on my skin, nothing else matters.
E – Embrace –
Who you are, celebrate your curves, in all their glory. It’s easy to look at someone else’s life, outfit, body shape, hair, whatever and think “I wish I had that” We do this as a way of defining ourselves, trying to figure out who we are by focusing on what we lack. Surround yourself with positive people, focus on your strengths, and if you are unhappy learn to compete with yourself instead of those around you. Practice gratitude and participate enthusiastically in the successes of other
L – Love –
Your imperfections love your flaws, Love your uniqueness. Learning how to love yourself is a process, seeing countless photos of “ideal women” on the internet can be disheartening. Boudoir photography is a wonderful way to challenge the inner voice in your head telling you that you are not good enough, and it challenges the way society views beauty as well.
F – Femininity–
Is what each woman decides for it to be. Flaunt it, nurture it, and do what feels good to you. I think…no…I have great legs! I work out and I like to show them off. I wear heels that will accentuate how muscular and tone they are. If at any time you are in doubt read Maya Angelou “Phenomenal Woman” and then go flaunt what your mama gave you.
L – Listen –
Negative self-talk even in our head is so damaging to our confidence and self-esteem. You would not allow anyone else to speak down to you; you do not deserve the abuse from yourself either. The most common self-limiting beliefs and phrases are “I’m not good enough. I am not smart enough. I can’t do this.” change the way you talk to yourself, and your body will thank you.
O – Open Minded –
We go through life limiting ourselves, missing out on things that could bring us joy and pleasure. All because of what we were taught. There is nothing wrong with trying new things. Explore, do not close the doors on new possibilities.
V – Value –
Invest in yourself, in your education, your mental health, your surroundings. Give yourself the best version of yourself. Make sure you put extra sprinkles on it too.
E – Empower –
A boudoir experience can also be really outside your comfort zone, and therefore kind of nerve wracking. However, so are most things in life when you are trying it for the first time? That is why I am here! To help ease your fears along the way and guide you
Best!
Sabrina