DAY SEVEN | GIVING
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."— Winston Churchill
I've learned I am happiest when I give my time to someone in need. I knew I was missing something in life but I didn't exactly know what it was. Then I was approached with an amazing opportunity to head to Haiti. I had no clue what I was to do there. But I knew I had to go. So I went. And it was the most amazing experience in my life. It changed me. I went thinking I would change the lives of these beautiful orphans and little did I know that they would change mine. They completely moved me and made me see what life was really about. How easily we take life for granted. How selfish we are. How spoiled. It was such a humbling feeling to be in their presence. I came back to the states with a different mindset. I've always given my time in little ways. Gifting a wedding once a year to a couple in need, gifting glamour sessions or family sessions for silent auctions and what not. But I want to be more connected. I want to be a part of a journey when I gift my services. I want to make a difference. Years back, I photographed a beautiful young lady 24 years of age, at the time, who had terminal cancer. Her family placed her in hospice. You would never have known she was even sick because she was as vivacious as they come. Full of life. She requested a shoot with her, her 2 boys and her husband. I wanted to give her photos that her family could cherish forever. And I offered to be there every step of the way. I was going to photograph her vow renewal, but sadly, she lost her battle. This kind of photography has so much meaning. Knowing I can do something so small, yet have such an impact on someones life, fulfills me. It really knocks me on my core. There really is no other feeling like it.
I wasn't going to tell this next story. I've kept it all to myself for selfish reasons. I hold it very near and dear to my heart. This client, now friend of mine, has changed the way that I photograph women. I’m going to give up my selfish ways and share a bit of her story. Six years ago, I met a beautiful soul. We chatted back and forth via email. And the first thing she mentioned to me was her weight. She was a size 14 or 16, I'm not really sure anymore because honestly that's not how I remember my clients. I remember the way they make me feel. Anywho, she asked if I could pose a "fluffy" woman. And if this shoot is meant for her or if she is crazy to even contact me. And I of course, said YES!!! This shoot is exactly what she needed.
She walked into the hotel room for her session. It was a boudoir marathon weekend and there was another girl getting her photos taken when she walked into the suite. Poor thing was frightened beyond means. Ready to walk right back out because she felt she didn't deserve to be there. I'm so very glad she stayed. She was a natural in front of the camera. I didn't know her story during the time I was photographing her. I just knew this girl was special somehow and I felt very connected to her. Instantly. After her shoot was done, she cried. And told me how she has NEVER in her life felt more beautiful than how she felt at that moment. She said people always called her fat and ugly names. Men that she loved would do that. Hurt her so deeply with words that crushed her world. And somehow I was able to make her feel sexy even though deep down inside she didn't feel that way because of how others manipulated her mind. A few days later she came in for her viewing... and we cried again. And this time she told me more of her story. And we bonded even further. A couple of days later I received a text from her. She told me something she has NEVER told anyone ever before. She had an eating disorder. And it had been 5 days since she has let it take over her. FIVE DAYS!! Since her session with me that she stopped hurting her own body. And I was floored. Absolutely floored. To know that I helped this woman overcome her deepest, darkest hours. Simply by telling her how gorgeous she was and allowing her to be vulnerable in front of me and giving her the freedom to just be her... in all her glory. Giving her that boost of confidence and allowing her to open up. She just simply amazes me daily.
Fast forward… this woman is now probably a size 6 or smaller- I don't really know. She just looks even more amazing... and not because of her weight but because she has self confidence now. And it shows!!! We did another session and her confidence just exudes from each photo. You can clearly see how different she is and how she holds an inner peace to her now. She does zumba and dances weekly with her girlfriends. Consistently motivated. She changed her life around. She stopped allowing people to speak bad to her. And she took control of her life. Wow. Talk about inspiration. She will swear up and down how I have given her something money could never buy but little does she know that she gave something to me that has changed my life drastically. It gives me reason to do what I do. To reach out to more women and help them through their struggles. Her story is one I will never forget. How did I get so lucky? I am not worthy of this. Yet I know my purpose here is to do so much more.
This is what inspired me to start my Beauty Within online women community. Because I know there are so many women out there with amazing stories that we can all learn from. Listen to. Help to heal each other. Grow internally and have a safe place to talk amongst other resilient, like hearted women. There is a 30 day trial period going on right now. I hope you join us!
"When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous."— Wayne Dyer
Photographer: Modern Love Photography
Hair and Makeup: Ashyln Taylor