Imperfectly Perfect -Jo-Anna's Self Love Story

#ImperfectlyPerfect


Imperfectly Perfect. That’s the best way to describe myself. I’m imperfect, but I’m perfect at being me. I love myself. I don’t always like what I see, but I love myself, my curves, my imperfections, my jiggly bits, my whole self. It took years to be able to say that. It’s been a journey, strewn with setbacks, celebrations and a new “if you don’t like me that’s your problem, not mine” attitude. Some amazing people have helped, some not so amazing people have helped. Everything is a lesson if you look hard enough. Some lessons require a lot of soul searching and a willingness to accept your part in things. Fast forward to February 2015 (there’s another blog reflecting that experience) and I step into what I know call one of my happy places, Lady Luck Studio. Lots of laughs, trying on clothes and some full nudes later I made a dear friend and restarted my journey to #imperfectlyperfect.

Another year, another photo shoot. I’m addicted. I love being in front of the camera. I want to do more, the bank account disagrees but I digress. This time I drag my best friend along. We laugh, we try on clothes, I have (surprise, surprise) less clothes on than her, but I’m more comfortable in my skin. More accepting of my flaws, more loving of my body. I want to rock those curves. I DO rock those curves!

Another year, ANOTHER photo shoot. I want to do something different. Jennifer wants to try something different, something raw, something beautiful yet honest. She knows I’m game, whatever gets the word out of #imperfectlyperfect and helps people love themselves. We have fun, cheeky fun, lucky charms in the cleavage fun. Then comes the art. The beautifully flawed, imperfectly perfect, honest vulnerable pictures. One light, no clothes to hide my #imperfectlyperfect self. And I loved it. I rocked it. I embraced my curves, my tummy, my arms. I embraced every inch of myself and loved it. I love myself. I love my flaws, my imperfections. They are uniquely me. And if this can inspire one person to stop hating themselves even for a minute it’s worth it.

In a world we’re we are taught what’s ugly, learning to love ourselves is seemingly impossible, or selfish or wrong. Media tells us what is “beautiful” and we see ourselves as ugly compared to that photoshopped version of the truth. Self care is neglected, and we are running on fumes trying to love and care for others. Be kind to yourself. Have the bad days. Be imperfect. Allow yourself to experience life not just live it. Take the chances, live each day to its fullest as tomorrow is never a guarantee. Love deeply, forgive others if not for them then for you. Anger is energy wasted.

My journey to here was not easy, full of roadblocks, hurt, scars, near death experiencesand ultimately courage. My advice......take pictures of yourself and try not to hate yourself in them. Selfies, professional it doesn’t matter. Take that picture and love what you see, if only for a minute. Practice that loving yourself, embracing the pictures of you until you are proudly #imperfectlyperfect too.