I could hide from the camera knowing this is the biggest I have ever been (aside from pregnancy), or far from goals that I have with my weight, but my moments with this tiny human and my family far surpass any of that. It’s easy to get caught up in looks or imperfections we see in ourselves, but mama please, please, please don’t remove yourself from your family’s memories.
Don’t make it about you, because it’s not. This is about your family and this moment you have with them. Do you think they will look back on pictures and see all the imperfections you see in yourself, or instead remember how you enjoyed your time with them and allowed yourself to have fun being present? This is the only time your kids will be this age, or you’ll have this vacation, or memory of whatever is going on. There will not be another of this moment ever again. Soak each moment up and enjoy it all!
When I was a photographer, I would get mama’s telling me they were going to plan a session when they reached their goal weight or lost weight. Each time my heart was crushed for them. The truth is, you can always plan another photo shoot or get to a goal you had, but you’ll never get this time back, whatever it is.
Mama we cannot allow imperfections we see in ourselves take away our memories or our family’s memories. I could have covered up or hid from the camera embarrassed by this image in Hawaii, but I would have missed out on having my son’s first time in the water in Hawaii captured with me by his side. Instead, I asked for this image to be taken. I wanted to be a part of this moment with my sweet boy. This isn’t about me, this is about my family and these moments we get together, so I will keep asking to have pictures taken and being a part of these moments. I will soak up these moments so very much, and be so thankful for each one. I love this image, I love this moment, I loved this vacation!
Mama you are beautiful exactly how you are! Your weight doesn’t define you, and while being the best version of yourself you can be is important, know that you are so beautiful in this moment, exactly as you are!!!
Professional images captured by Valentina Glidden
