Since my surgery, I’ve had a life coach helping me with everything, including body and self-image issues. For some reason, I do good for a while. Then I go back into self-sabotaging ways.

There is something about the power of a portrait that was more healing for by body than the mirror or coaching

I had to really see myself in portraits in this raw state to heal.

I’ve spent years hiding women’s imperfections, trying to make them look and feel amazing in their skin. I think I am helping them, or am I? The question arose after my cancer journey when my body started to change after all the surgeries. It was really affecting my life. I felt like an imposter. No matter what people said, I didn’t believe it or want to hear it. 

I need to heal from the inside and accept and love myself

I love how Teri Hofford photographs the raw version of people. I needed this kind of photoshoot to heal. I had to be vulnerable and accept my body for all it has carried me through. I had two beautiful children, chemo, 5 surgeries!

I needed to forgive myself and thank God for my body!

It’s beautiful! Raw! I love my rolls, I love my scars, I love my curly hair. That is me. My body has carried me through so much, and I have been so disrespectful to it.

No more disrespect

I deserve to be celebrated. I do love Photoshop and all, but for a healing photoshoot like this, I had to see myself in all its natural glory. I LOVE YOU, BODY! Thank you, body! Thank you, Teri.

Like Teri says, if this makes you uncomfortable looking at me like this, it is a sign for you to explore yourself and why that makes you uncomfortable because it has nothing to do with me. It’s something worthwhile exploring inside of you.