i see Beauty

ok. I wanna share this with you. I've had this post waiting since Jan.27... but it took some nerves. Today, I'm ready. * So... since November, I've been working on my personal body image. Learning to accept and love all of me, and not be self critical and negative... cause I think that its just dumb to beat myself up like that and hide from who I am. * So I started taking care of my body...eating well and trying. I've lost 30 pounds so far. * Since I was about 16, I hadn't worn a regular bathing suit. I either wore shorts over it or one of those swimsuit skirts. Because I hated my legs, and was entirely shy and even, appalled by my shape. So, two months ago... I decided that when I'm at home alone...no pants allowed. I wanted to get used to seeing my legs and get comfortable. And it worked! It took time (& persistance), but eventually, I was fine! And I even felt attractive :) Then I went to aquasize, and wore a real bathing suit. A tankini. with real bottoms! and I stood in front of my skinny sister and other women without a towel on... and didn't care!? Holy smokes! Big deal! * So my next step. I photographed me last month. T-shirt and panties. No styling. Just did it. And now I'm sharing my old least favorite body part with you thru photo. And I'm okay with this. In fact, I feel liberated! I've conquered my self esteem! and I like me :) I now see beauty. * So here's the deal. I'm starting a club. It's called "I See Beauty" and it's for us ladies. It's time to start seeing it, looking for it, and harvesting it in ourselves (which will overflow onto your daughters and girls & women you know)(not to mention how you feel and behave around/with your man). Honestly, for me to be at the point I am, I thought would NEVER happen. But when you address your attitudes and vision...you will see beauty too! I believe in this! And it can change your life. Because when you believe in yourself and love who you are... you can't help but glow! * Wanna join the club? CooL! You don't have to see your beauty yet. It will be part of the process (I'll help you!). Come as you are and just be ready :) Sign up (name/email) in the comments and if you have flickr, join the "I See Beauty" group :) * This is gonna be really special. I'm so excited for you to be a part of this :) * Here was my inspiration. I saw this photo of Jamie Lee Curtis a few years ago (and it totally stuck with me)... I was like "WHAT?!? how could she do this? How brave and stupid!" Now... I get it. I love it. I see beauty!