THE ART OF SELF JOURNAL

My scars can not be seen, They are hidden. They were scars so deep that I wondered at times if I would ever feel normal again or would I always be this shy nervous wreck. My experience through abuse is different, I had no physical scars, no bruises. Like I said, they were hidden. For so long I never spoke about the abuse I had endured, in fear of being judged, feeling ashamed and less of a person for it. Until 2 years ago when I started to open up and share my journey thanks

I used to think that if I wore my natural hair out, That people would think I was someone who didn’t value my personal appearance. I used to feel that if I stood tall with my head held high, That I would be knocked down a little. I used to think that if I accepted a compliment, That I would be looked at strangely for owning it. I used to think that If I said I liked who I was, That I no one would want to hang out with someone who thought positively of themselves. I used to th

I used to get my hair cut just like everyone else, Buy new clothes that I thought were on trend just to fit in, Keep my opinion to myself, in fear of being different, Take photos of my food, because everyone else was. I would feel inferior to those who seemed to be have more, know more, be more This is how my mind used to think. There are many people who have never experienced this way of thinking, which is so awesome, But there are many who do think this way. Because all we

Each of these ladies came alone to join together, To share their stories and their journeys with me, with each other and with you. These ladies are proof that no matter who stands next to you, You can learn to stand in your own space and appreciate you and all that you are. These ladies are proof that no matter what happens in your life, Good or challenging, that you can learn to appreciate the body you have. To respect it, just as it deserves to be respected. To love you, ju

"Over the last 5 years I have birthed 2 amazing boys, nurtured wonderful friendships, become closer to my husband and gone through 14 extensive surgeries to remove cancer as well as organs and the occasional bone. I have learned that everyone is fighting a battle you may not know anything about, whether it be internal or external. Be kind with your words and actions towards yourself and others. Choose one thing a day to focus positive energy on within yourself - this will hel

"I wasn't always fond of my body. I was never pretty enough, Skinny enough, Curvy enough, Sexy enough.. It wasn't until I had surgery for endometriosis that I realised that my tummy would be left scarred, and I would have to learn to embrace it, despite how much I hated the idea of it. As I began to heal from surgery, complete with laparoscopic incisions stitched together, I began to realise just how amazing my body truly was. Here I was hating my body, when it was healing

I love my shoulders Do something regularly for yourself. I like to exercise and I’ve found working with a PT makes me feel accomplished and I’ve seen great results. It also works well as I can take my kids to training, which I believe is good for them too. Written by Suzanne

"A recent quote online said “Love your body and teach your mind to respect it!’ Just decide to love your body, including everything your mind tells you what’s wrong with it. Make a vision board of all the amazing women or men you admire and put your picture in amongst them. Add in all that you love about your life. Finally add in your dreams, those pair of pants you love, your favourite music, artist, flower, future home or travel, family or relationship. Force your mind to s

"What I love about my body are my double D breasts and my chicken legs, as my mother would call them. I love my athletic legs which take after my father. One advice I would give to women is Flaunt what your mama gave you. Celebrate your living body Stand tall, shoulders back and walk the streets and the beach like you own it on the catwalk. You are Fabulous! You are Amazing! You are Beautiful!" Written by Annie