I’ve been self conscious about my body most of my life; uncomfortable in my own skin for a good 3+ decades of my life. Over the past 7 years or so, I’ve been working on healing my past limiting beliefs.

Outside of my husband, there are few people in my life who I feel completely comfortable around to be ME, even to be fully/near fully naked around, whether it’s physically or emotionally.

I have hired them (currently or in the past) for their specific areas of expertise.

They have given me space in the way I have needed it. They see me, hear me, and I feel incredibly supported when I’m around them.

When I began working with them, I noticed a similar pattern within me:

feeling pain (emotional/physical - I’m not good enough/muscle tightness),

going through slightly more pain (omg, what if I’m judged and found to be weak/I’m not doing this right, I don’t know if my body can take this),

to a feeling of release (holy sh*t I can breathe again, I’m alive, I didn’t get voted off the island, nothing externally changed, it was all within. I am OK.)

They each test my boundaries in a safe way, sensing the point where my zones of comfort/discomfort merge.

I always walk away feeling happier, sometimes proud of myself, my vibration recalibrated, and sometimes...REALLY FRIGGIN SEXY.

I was curious: what are the common threads with these beautiful souls that make me feel lit up? Here’s what I came up with:

Non-judgment, especially in my moments of utter vulnerability.

None of them care if I am stinky, sweaty, hair a mess, or unshaven.

They have all seen me at my weakest, most vulnerable points, and still gave me space to feel my way through it, without interfering.

I feel safe around them, with my thoughts & insecurities.

I feel beautiful around them, no matter what my external self looks like.

Most importantly, I feel free to be me.

I love that as I am expanding myself as a person, I am attracting more of these special people around me. The goalI still have many layers of fear, shame, guilt to shed, but getting closer with every experience.

What makes you feel “safe” in a relationship?

Or free to let your guard down in order to expand yourself? Wendy H.

Victoria’s Story.

The GIRL in me would see countless imperfections and delete this photo immediately. The WOMAN in me recognizes the power this photo conveys.

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The Girl: I have bags under my eyes- DELETE.

The Woman: Those bags tell a story of an entrepreneur working countless nights with minimal sleep.

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The Girl: My hair is frizzy and out of control. DELETE

The Woman: It’s part of my genetic background. Honor it. Let your hair down!

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The Girl: What will people think about this photo? It’s too much. DELETE

The Woman: What will happen if young girls only see edited photos on social media and not find beauty in the skin their in? It’s not too much - its YOU.

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The list could go on but what matters is what I see now as a grown woman. This picture represents me in the most raw form. I look at it and see all the hardships that I’ve overcome, all the joy, the tears, the setbacks, the losses and the wins. I see someone that is less afraid of what everyone else thinks and more self aware of my message and my story. As a woman, I find power and beauty in the things that are real and raw. I see a work in progress. A woman that recognizes the strength it takes to be completely yourself in a world that continuously wants to mold you into whatever makes them more comfortable. A woman that survived loss and tragedy and found her way through fitness. Above all else, I see a woman that has grown through it all and is thankful for the journey.

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To all the women out there that inspire me on a daily basis- keep being powerful human beings!

To the woman who raised me, I am forever in awe of you.

To all the moms out there, you are the real MVP’s. .

The most beautiful gift a woman can give is her story……………

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