Growing up, I always dreamed of being beautiful—not just pretty, but truly, radiantly beautiful. Yet, for much of my life, that dream felt unattainable.
As a young woman, I was poor—not just financially but emotionally and mentally. I was talked down to, made fun of, excluded, and forgotten. I felt invisible and unworthy, which deeply affected how I saw myself and how I believed others saw me. What I didn’t understand at the time was that my feelings were a reflection of my internal struggles. My insecurities colored my thoughts, actions, and interactions, and they seeped into every corner of my life.
Even when my awkward phase supposedly ended, and people began to tell me I was “pretty,” I couldn’t see it. Being “pretty” wasn’t enough for me—I longed to feel sexy, confident, and beautiful. But I couldn’t. My self-doubt was like a shadow, and I let it bleed into my life, dimming the light I so desperately wanted others to see.
Everything changed when I decided to embrace ME!
It wasn’t easy, but slowly, I began to shift my mindset. I stopped focusing on what I lacked and started appreciating everything that made me unique. I looked in the mirror one day and thought, This is me. With every flaw, every scar, and every triumph, I am alive.
And for the first time, I saw myself for who I truly am—beautiful, sexy, and worthy.
Now, I don’t have time to worry about what others think. I’ve let go of the need for external validation because I’ve come to realize that I’m not poor anymore. Not in the traditional sense and certainly not in the ways that matter most.
I’m rich in love, in gratitude, and in the moments that fill my life with joy. I have a family that lifts me up, friends who stand by me, and memories that remind me I am anything but forgotten. This abundance has become my true wealth, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
One of the most profound celebrations of this journey was my #SheerExperience. It wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was a testament to how far I’ve come and a reflection of how those who love me see me. Jen at Sheer Photography helped me capture that feeling in a way I’ll cherish forever.
That experience wasn’t just a gift to myself—it was a reminder that I am the richest, most beautiful woman I could ever hope to be. And when I start to forget that, I now have the memories and the pictures to prove it!
So, if you’re struggling to see your own light, remember this: true beauty begins when you embrace yourself, flaws and all. You are alive, you are worthy, and you are more beautiful than you know.
Here’s to celebrating all the things that make us who we are—raw, real, and radiant.
