Gratitude

I am saying thank you for a lot of things today. As I am hearing many sad stories from across this globe, from pain of loved ones to happenings of natural disasters, I am left with a feeling of absolute gratitude and appreciation for what I have in this crazy world! 

There was a time, not too long ago actually, that I really didn't like who I was. I wasn't confident in the body that I was living in, always hoping that my belly would get flatter, or that my swimmer's shoulders were smaller, or wishing that I wasn't taller than most men that I meet... many critiques and things that I considered 'flaws' ruled my thoughts each day! I was always wishing to be someone else, or at least, a better version of myself... chasing my self-worth and happiness.

As I get ready for two casting calls tomorrow, I think to myself, what may come from the results is not as important as what I actually feel and take away from doing this type of work. I celebrate myself with the camera, instead of trying to master the perfect pose in order to hide those so-called flaws of mine. I am proud to know that I represent myself as the woman I am, not just doing any concept that comes my way and desperately hoping to have another shoot completed to post on my profiles! I am selective with my projects, as I want my portfolio to represent who I am as a person. Others' opinions of my work are just that, opinions! Everyone is entitled to having their own, but now, I know that they do not define who I am, nor should they resonate with me and make me want to change myself in order to appease them. 

As the lovely Gloria Gaynor once sang, "I am what I am and what I am needs no excuses!" I am a 6-foot ginger,  built more like a curvy Viking than a typical lady, who could probably tackle and pin most people around me. I except my strength and my stature with open arms and I am truly thankful for the acceptance I finally have for myself! 

Stand tall, be proud and be who you are as an individual, its the best version of yourself there ever will be!