My Dream to Change Women’s Body Image

Last updated on July 27th, 2023 at 10:59 pm

My dream to heal with photography has been taking a break over the holidays.

I’ve been trying to be in the moment with my son and family. But even when I’m not “at work,” I still think about changing women’s body images.  

I’m trying to decide if I’ll make resolutions this year or do what I normally do and make a checklist of short-term and long-term goals. I’m kind of a freak about checking things off. So satisfying.

If you’re trying to make changes in the New Year, you’ll find the most amazing information about learning how to motivate yourself in The Secret of Making Your Dreams Come True. I’m doing the exercises myself.

 

And I’m more committed than ever to helping girls and women move forward with peace and love toward themselves. We can all work together to change body image. On that note…

I’m super duper-stinking excited to announce one of my BIG, GIANT, DREAM goals. The women inspired this idea in the photos. And every woman who has shared her story with me.

I’m going to write a book about how to change body image!

It will be the accounts of many women. We can learn from each of those who have made progress. We can learn from the stories that set us back. Imagery will play a strong part though I haven’t decided how.

I want to find women who have overcome things that would hold others back. I want to talk with girls about how they see their mothers and see if their mothers can hear what their daughters say.

I want to interview women here and create a community to discuss our fears and diffuse their power. Self-esteem and body image are lifelong journeys; we must see all sides to tackle our demons.

We can do it together. We can lift each other up.

I’ve been blessed with a network of women, friends, and family who have all helped me survive a year that almost swallowed me whole. I want to pay that forward.

I’m trying not to over-plan this endeavor. I know these things take on lives of their own. I’m eager to learn more about publishing, how women see themselves, and myself.

I would like to end with a wish/hope/dream for you. May we make this the year we change body image.

May you find the little voice that says, “I’m beautiful.” Even when some closed-hearted person says you’re not, may you tune out everyone who says fat, chubby, or skinny.

Ignore every ugly comment, every unattractive word, and every not-good-enough judgment that spews from an ignorant or uncaring mouth, even if that uncaring mouth is your own. May we retire the degrading language? We’re all too quick to poison ourselves with camel toe, muffin top, giant zit, thunder thighs, disgusting, gross, frumpy, and ugly.

May you tell your reflection what you would tell your dearest BFF.

Daughters: when your parents embarrass you by telling you how pretty you are, listen because many people will come into your life and make you question yourself. Mothers: when your children tell you how beautiful you are for the love of God, listen. If your four-year-old son sees your bed head and your wrinkled nightgown and says, “Mommy, you’re SO bee-yoo-ti-ful,” instead of telling him he’s wrong, grab him up in an embrace, bury your face in his neck. Thank God for giving you a child who can see your true self.

Parents, don’t put your daughters on shaming diets if they gain a few pounds. Lead by example and teach her how to satiate herself with whole, healthy foods. Teach her it’s ok to have a treat now and then. Give her the gift of a healthy relationship with her body. You’ll prevent eating disorders and keep her away from unhealthy relationships that feed on low self-esteem.

If you can be kinder to yourself in this New Year, you’ll be happier and kinder to those around you. I do not doubt that you’ll reach for your dreams and surpass what you’ve hoped. I’ll check in with you this time and place in a year!