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!

27 comments:

  1. LA, you are so beautiful.

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  2. leigh-ann! i love this post. so much.
    and you ARE beautiful.
    inside and out.

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  3. Bex is in! :)
    bekkabess@gmail.com

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  4. Thank you for doing this. Count me in - jocreates@homemail.com.au

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  5. This is a great idea! I love your thinking. I'm in!

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  6. I'm in!!! I worked in girls youth ministry for 3 years, which is why I too am passionate about it. It really is a HUGE deal to accept ourselves just as we are. I've got butterflies in my stomach about it! my email is revsanford@gmail.com.

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  7. I love your new flickr group.
    You look great, and go you on 30lb loss and new found beauty:)

    You so rock!!!!

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  8. You are such an inspiration - Thank you LA. I am totally in on this journey with you - georgiamudfudge@hotmil.com
    Love ya

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  9. Count me in. And you already have my info.

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  10. in!

    angela1.torres@gmail.com

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  11. I AM SO IN!

    jerrie.sanford@gmail.com
    http://justlivelaughlove.blogspot.com/

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  12. you visionary you.

    lacyrose81@yahoo.com

    i'm in.

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  13. I could really use a dose of feeling some beauty - I seem to focus on what I need to change rather than seeing the beauty in this amazing body that allowed me to carry and birth 3 children.

    I am so in!

    valofthesouth@gmail.com

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  14. la

    did you know you are drop dead sexy?

    just sayin'.

    *wink*

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  15. I could definitely use this!

    sonyagberry at hotmail dot com.

    Thanks!

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  16. alright, this will be an enormous challenge for me since I put myself down every chance I get. I think people see me as fat and unattractive so I just verbalize it and then I guess I don't feel so bad about it....I know, it's stupid. So I'm in, but like I said, it's going to be a challenge!!! :)

    xoxo
    Mand

    p.s. - great idea.

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  17. You never amaze me with your ability to inspire and make me feel good!

    Wow... I love this idea.

    Sign me up LA!

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  18. you're amazing! i think i love you. lol i'm not signing up because i don't think i could honestly do it, but i will join the flickr group! :)

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  19. I LOVE THIS!! I see so much beauty when I see you!! :) {{HUGS}}

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  20. I'm starting to think there was a reason for coming across your facebook/blog when I did.....I'm in too. And so in need of something like this. mirmoore@yahoo.ca
    - Miranda

    PS. I'm going to email you within the next week to figure out a picture taking day if you're still up for it :)

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  21. ok, not sure if I ready, but I'm in and willing to try! coralee.gingras@mac.com

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  22. i'm totally in!!! you are sooo genius...and inspiring! this will def be good for me...and help me stay happy/positive so i can do little things to get my body in a better place. this is exactly what i've been needing!

    i just joined the flickr group..and my email is jos897 (at) hotmail.com

    =)

    xxooxo
    jen

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  23. Hiya. I was just having a little sticky beak at your archives (hope you don't mind :)) and I found this post. Was wondering if you were still doing it? If so would love to join. Love love love the idea. Blessings :)

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  24. Hi Tameeka! The club series is over, sorry. XOXO, LA

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