Bare Embracement

trigger warning: self harm

I collaborated with the wonderful @jasminelaverick to celebrate my 6 month anniversary of self love, instead of harm. Together, we poured our hearts into creating art. For most of my life I have self harmed. Mentally, physically and spiritually.

From the age of 10 I spiraled down a hole of self degradation. I hit myself, cut myself, removed parts of my body, starved myself and picked myself to pieces... literally. I loathed myself, every mm of my body and being. I wanted to punish myself. My body didn't matter to me, why would it? I no longer wanted to be here It was a long and complicated journey of time, support and healing. But eventually I realised I didn't want to destroy my body. I realised that my body was the fragile connection to life, and I no longer wanted to break her down so we could vanish, I wanted to love her up so we could flourish Every day I choose love, despite society screaming at me to do the opposite. I threw away the blades. I ate without looking at packets. I hugged instead of hitting. I spoke tenderly. I had relapses. Cracks where my obsessive and damaging urges crept through, but I didn't use that as an excuse to give up I never believed I would be in the place I am with myself and my body. I never believed I could dance, photograph, paint, touch, pleasure, move and function so easefully. We are one again. I love myself more everyday, and you can too Never use your body as a judge of worth. You may have wonky boobs/balls, stretch marks, no abs, dark hair, a big nose, spots, thin hair, uneven teeth, thick thighs, broad shoulders, hip dips, no beard, receding hair, labia that doesn't look like a porn actor's, a small dick, a small bum... but that's your body. Your incredible body! They are this way for a reason! You are a miracle. All of you, every vast element. Now is the time to truly accept that It felt very vulnerable and scary to share these photos. A part of me wants to keep them nestled in my phone, where only I can see them. But that would be the fearful thing to do. I hope they show you how much your body should be celebrated. How much you should be proud of yourself. How you can always decide to choose love. It will be a difficult journey, but don't give up. Being able to love your body and live in harmony with them is the greatest gift. You deserve that gift

rest of collection can be found in photography section