Self Love: Getting Over Self Doubt & Falling In Love With Yourself

Introduction

If you're like most people, then you have moments when you don't feel confident or happy with yourself.

It happens to all of us at some point in our lives. In fact, research shows that people who are more aware of their self-doubts may actually be more successful than those who aren't! Self-love can be difficult to achieve because there are so many distractions and obstacles that keep us from feeling good about ourselves. Let's face it: we live in a world where the media tells us that we need to look a certain way in order to be loved or successful at work. That's why it's so important for each one of us to learn how to love ourselves and build self-confidence every single day!

Self love is a journey!

Self-love is a journey, not an overnight fix. You will learn to love yourself if you are patient and kind with yourself.

At the start of lockdown in 2019 I discovered the anti diet and body positive community online and immediately fell in love with the people that embodied self love and respect and started my own journey of self discovery. As a plus size woman society often tells me that I should aim to be slimmer, fitter and healthier and as such I felt such a pressure to be 'improving' instead of stepping back to see I was already fabulous as I was.

I started documenting my journey on instagram and the simple act of taking a photo each day of my outfit was such a help to my self esteem. Through doing this I

• Normalised my body in my own eyes

• Was able to focus on dressing in clothes I loved and wanted to share

• Was able to look back at the photos I'd taken on my grid and through doing this I was able to see myself through a different lens.

Now, I'm not saying you should go and make an instagram account but a set of empowering pictures can be life changing and that's where I might be able to help as a photographer.

You're not alone.

This is a common problem, and one that many people struggle with their whole lives. You are not alone! There are many resources available to help you overcome self doubt and learn how to love yourself more fully.

You may have low self-esteem and not even know it.

Sometimes, you might not know if you have low self-esteem or if it's just the normal doubts that come with being human. To help tell the difference, consider these questions:

• Do I feel like there's something wrong with me?

• Do I often compare myself to others and think they are better at something than me?

• Do I get anxious when people ask me questions about myself or my work/career goals because I don't know how to answer them without sounding foolish or inadequate (even though there is nothing wrong with what they are asking)?

Loving yourself can make life much better

Some things I have found help me with my self love journey include:

• Treat yourself to something nice. Go on a date with yourself, and make it special! Go for a walk, or hang out with friends.

• Take some time to write down what makes you happy and how you want to feel on a daily basis.

• Take care of your body by eating well and getting enough sleep.

• Treat yourself with love and respect by being kind towards yourself, instead of always putting others first.

• Set boundaries. Do not let others put you down. Tell others how you feel and what you need. Forgive yourself for mistakes made in the past.

• The truth is: there are so many ways for us to feel good about ourselves! Find something that works for YOU--that gives you energy and a buzz.

And of course I wouldn't be a boudoir and empowerment photographer without also saying that a boudoir shoot can be a fantastic way to boost your confidence, help with self esteem and give you a fabulous self care opportunity to pamper yourself.

Stop comparing yourself to others.

Comparison is the thief of joy, and it's something we all do. It's easy to look at someone else and think that they have everything together, but the truth is that no one has it all together. Everyone has their own struggles, challenges, and weaknesses; there are no exceptions! So why compare yourself to others?

Instead of comparing yourself with others, focus on what makes YOU unique as an individual. The best way for YOU (and me) to do this is by looking inside ourselves: what are my strengths? What am I good at? How do I feel when I'm doing these things?

Embrace your imperfections

Your body is amazing and it gives you life, allows you to move through the world and experience it in all it's beauty. Your imperfections make you unique and beautiful.

When you book a boudoir session with me I will talk to you in your consultation about parts of your body you love and want to highlight and those parts you feel self conscious about, I promise when you get your pictures back from me those parts of you that you weren't sure on won't be a problem.

When I got married I wore a backless dress, I worried for months people would see my back fat and when I received my wedding album I realised how silly I had been, often the things that you perceive as a problem are only shown not to be when you see them through someone else's lens and that's one of the many powers of photography.

A Boudoir Session Is A Great Way To Build Self-Love And Confidence

Not only will you feel more comfortable in your own skin, but it can help you feel sexier, more confident and more empowered.

A boudoir photoshoot is not just about taking photos. It is an experience that will allow you to connect with yourself on a deeper level than ever before. You'll learn how to love every part of yourself--from the inside out!

You'll discover that boudoir photography is not just about making you feel sexy, it's also about making you feel empowered and confident. When you look at your photos, you'll see how beautiful you really are. You'll feel proud of yourself and your body! You will never be judged. You are in control of every aspect of your boudoir session from the poses and clothing to the final images you want to keep, I will offer guidance but never ask you to do anything you don't feel comfortable with.

No matter what size, shape or age, all women deserve to feel beautiful!

Working with clients on their self confidence is one of the most rewarding things that I do as a photographer!

I want you to feel beautiful in your own skin. I will guide you through poses and clothing selection but ultimately it is up to you how far we go. No matter what size, shape or age, all women deserve to feel beautiful! Working with clients on their self confidence is one of the most rewarding things that I do as a photographer!

I hope you'll find peace, and maybe the courage to get in touch.

Cat xx