UGH. Does anyone else struggle with body image issues?

I know a number of "perfect" people who struggle with it, so if you fall into the imperfect number, please be encouraged that most everyone else does, too.

Yesterday my daughter and I did a photo shoot for an upcoming event we are hosting. I am a professional photographer, but I cannot tell you how extremely uncomfortable I am being photographed! 

A quick disclaimer to all of my clients who are reading this.....I apologize if I ever dismiss your discomfort! I am going to be super sensitive from now on because I'd forgotten how much I dislike.....well, photographs of me. 

I have always been a big girl. I was skinny for a short number of my 54 years but it was a result of eating, well, nothing, for a matter of months.

The idea I have about my body is easily forgotten when I stay behind the camera and put someone else in it's path. As a recently certified REFIT®
Instructor, I have been celebrating the year's worth of training it took to feel like I could physically tackle such a task. I suffer a number of physical ailments that threaten me daily, but because I want to live this life abundantly, I FIGHT BACK. 

Because I have fight, and cease to feel (much less act) my age, I seldom get concerned about my body image.

Yet, it is always lurking.

And I am the cruelest judge.

I cease to remember I've lost 100 pounds. Or that I am doing this at the age of almost 55. Or that I almost died 23 years ago. Or that I've battled back from numerous hospital stays and the darkest depression.

I look at pictures and immediately am reminded that my body makes me think horrible things about myself.

I need to stop that. YOU need to stop that. We are housed inside an intricately created masterpiece being. It functions and moves and breathes because it is created to do so. How amazing is that? Just think about the ability to see. Or the fact that your brain goes silent while you sleep, but awakens again to start thinking. Your legs carry you without you having to tell them to. 

In the grand scheme of things, your body IMAGE has nothing to do with how fantastic a body you are dwelling in!

Here's an interesting thought: What might be the good things that come from a poor body image?

1. Humility

2. Less likelihood of judging others on appearance

3. Likely to invest in others because of their heart rather than their appearance

4. Learning to love the you residing INSIDE

5. The knowledge that the "image" of yourself is secondary to the "who" you are

And now, bravely, I am going to post some of my photos. Yes, only the ones I like, but also, photos that make me feel vulnerable, that I like less. But I need to be GRATEFUL for this body. It is the only one I have. I am going to pamper and cherish and be thankful for every breath it takes.

Don't judge yourself too harshly. Its your person inside that is the most important.

YOU ARE LOVED. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE ENOUGH.