That moment when you open your gallery of new family photos, and before you can even smile at the love they captured, that old familiar voice pipes up…

I want to share something vulnerable with you today. Something that happened just this weekend that reminded me that no matter how far we come in our healing journey, we’re still human. And that’s not just okay – it’s part of the story.

The Photos That Sparked It All

Fresh off a family photo session, I was curled up on my couch, scrolling through the gallery our photographer had just delivered. The morning light was perfect. The candid moments were pure magic. My little family’s joy radiated through every frame.

And yet…

Before I could fully take in these beautiful memories, that inner critic cleared its throat: “Oof. Did you know you looked like that?” “Maybe you should have worn something more flattering.”

Just like that, I was sent back 10 years, scrutinizing every inch of myself in the mirror.

The Plot Twist

But here’s where this story takes an unexpected turn – and why I’m sharing it with you today.

Back then, these thoughts would have sent me into a spiral. I would have:

• Deleted half the photos
• Sworn off family photos for another year
• Probably launched into a new diet and workout routine by Monday morning

This time? Something different happened.

The Real Victory (It’s Not What You Think)

Here’s the truth that took me years to learn: The goal isn’t to never have these thoughts. Let me say that again, because it’s important:

You can be deeply committed to body acceptance and STILL have moments where you struggle with your reflection.

The victory isn’t in eliminating these thoughts. It’s in how we respond when they show up uninvited.

What Actually Changed

Instead of letting that inner critic run the show, I:

1. Took a deep breath
2. Named what was happening (“Hey, looks like my old body shame stories are visiting”)
3. Placed a hand on my heart (yes, actually – try it)
4. Gently redirected my attention to what these photos really captured

And you know what? Those critical thoughts didn’t immediately vanish. But they did get quieter. They took up less space. They became background noise instead of the main event.

The Truth About Healing

Body changes can feel disorienting. Whether it’s pregnancy, aging, health shifts, or just life doing its thing – seeing ourselves through a lens can trigger old wounds we thought had healed.

But here’s what I keep coming back to:

• Healing isn’t linear
• Growth isn’t about perfection
• You don’t have to love every photo to be worthy of being in them
• Your body doesn’t need to stay the same to be deserving of documentation

Your Permission Slip

If you’re nodding along to any of this, consider this your permission slip to:

• Take up space in photos
• Feel conflicting emotions about your image
• Document your life exactly as you are
• Hold space for both celebration and struggle

Because you know what? Twenty years from now, your children won’t look at these photos and see your perceived flaws. They’ll see the way you looked at them with pure love. They’ll remember how it felt to be held in your arms. They’ll treasure these frozen moments of their story – and you’re an essential part of that story.

Moving Forward (With Heart)

Next time you find yourself in front of a camera, or scrolling through photos, and that critical voice pipes up, try this:

Place a hand on your heart and whisper:
“I see you. I hear you. And we’re going to focus on something else right now.”

Then look for the joy. The love. The life being lived in that frame.

Because you, my friend, are like a sunset (I know its corny, be hear me out) – far too dynamic and beautiful to be fully captured in any single moment. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

💕 Tell me: Do you struggle with photos? What helps you move through those tough moments? Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.

P.S. Looking for more support in navigating your body image journey? I’m here to help. Let’s chat.