New Year, Same Me: A Journey of Self Acceptance
By Rebecca Ashbach As we gear up for a fresh start with the dawn of the new year, let’s take a moment to embrace a powerful truth—self-acceptance is a journey, not a destination. So, here’s to the “New Year, Same Me” mantra, because the magic lies not in reinventing ourselves but in wholeheartedly accepting the incredible person we already are. Embarking on the journey to self-acceptance is akin to stepping onto a winding path. It’s not about erasing the chapters that came before; it’s about finding peace with them and learning to dance with the present. And yes, it’s okay to take things one step at a time. So, where do we begin? 1. Acknowledgment: Let’s start by acknowledging the person in the mirror. Look at her—the one with the stories etched in every line and the strength reflected in her gaze. This is you, and every part of you deserves acknowledgement and acceptance. 2. Embracing Imperfections: Imperfections are not the opposite of perfection; they’re what make you uniquely you. Instead of seeing them as flaws, let’s reframe them as beautiful brushstrokes that add character to the canvas of your being. 3. Mindful Self-Talk: Listen to the words you speak to yourself. Are they kind? Be your own best friend, the one who encourages, uplifts, and cheers you on. Remember, you deserve the same compassion you readily offer to others. 4. Celebrating Progress: Every step forward is a victory. Celebrate the little wins, the moments of self-love, and the instances where you catch a glimpse of your own beauty. Progress is progress, no matter how small. Now, about that gentle nudge toward a boudoir shoot—consider it as a beautifully liberating possibility. It’s not about conforming to societal expectations or checking boxes; it’s about celebrating your journey, capturing your essence, and acknowledging the marvelous person you are in this very moment. The idea of a boudoir shoot might feel like a leap, and that’s perfectly okay. Just know that the option is there, patiently waiting whenever you feel ready to embrace it. No rush, no pressure—because your journey is yours to navigate at your own pace. So here’s to the “New Year, Same Me” journey—a journey to self-acceptance, self-love, and the beautiful discovery of the incredible person you already are.
Affirmations for Self Love
Boudoir is an extremely vulnerable experience, and can be intimidating, though incredibly helpful in growing in self-love. But if you’re not ready for a boudoir shoot, there’s so much more you can do to build confidence, self-love, and inner peace. Affirmations are positive statements that you can use to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. Repeating these affirmations regularly can help foster a more positive self-image. Here are some affirmations for cultivating a positive self-image: Feel free to customize these affirmations to better resonate with your personal journey and experiences. Repeat these affirmations daily, either in front of a mirror or in a quiet space, and allow them to sink into your consciousness. Over time, these positive statements can help shift your mindset and improve your self-image. And when you’re ready, book that shoot.
Body Neutrality and Boudoir
Bodies are a huge part of every day in the world of boudoir and fashion, and as women, we are bombarded with comparison. “Buy this supplement!” “Your dream body is 28 days away with this plan!” Or even “love how your body looks, no matter what!” – and while there’s nothing wrong with the last sentiment, some days it adds unnecessary guilt and shame when you look in the mirror and just don’t like what you see. On those days, it helps to find ways to appreciate what you bring to the table completely aside from your body. This concept is known as body neutrality. Of course it’s a good thing to objectively love your body, but it’s an even better thing to love yourself without relating your value to your body – it is the least interesting thing about you, after all. Body neutrality celebrates where you are as a person, regardless of your body. Where your heart and mind and personality and inner beauty have created art that nobody else in the world could except for you. Boudoir, at first glance, seems like a fairly objectifying genre. It *is* body positive. It does show off your body – but underneath the initial impression, its focus is on showing YOU. Telling YOUR story. Showing YOUR strength. It’s a uniquely intimate art form that, while it does celebrate the beauty of your body, however it looks, also highlights the aspects of your personality that make you unlike any other person.
Dove Beauty Sketches and Boudoir
Nine years ago, Dove released a youtube video where women were asked to describe themselves to a forensic artist while he drew them. Later, a stranger who they got to know a little in the lobby was asked to describe them. At the end, the women see how they see themselves in contrast to how others see them. Without fail, the strangers described a beauty the women couldn’t acknowledge in themselves, bringing them to the realization that they are so much more beautiful than they think. In a way, a boudoir shoot is the same experience. Walking in, women see the worst version of themselves. They’re often anxious, unsure, often not sure if they made the right decision. By the end of the session they’ve been able to experience an hour or more of judgment free hype session, which is incredible in and of itself, but the real magic happens when they see the finished images at the image reveal. So many women had no idea they could look as beautiful as they do. Not because of photoshop or sucking in or trying to be someone else, but just by being themselves, enjoying themselves, and feeling the empowerment of letting themselves be the center of attention for a little while. Did you want to experience what it would be like to see yourself from a stranger’s eyes? Our amazing all-woman team of photographers is ready to give you just that. We can’t wait to join you for your journey.