Don't Let Anyone Make You Feel Less than Great

When I was reading through Babe N's responses to my "share you story" questionnaire, her advice of "don't let anyone make you feel less than great" stuck out to me. I wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self this. I'm guessing you feel the same. If we all know we shouldn't allow this, why do we?

A lot of us are people pleasers or we were raised to be "polite." Maybe we were raised to stuff down our feelings, or maybe we're afraid of conflict. There are so many reasons why we might stick around someone who makes us feel shitty, but no matter you're reason, you do deserve better. You deserve a support system. You deserve to release toxic people from your life. You deserve to set boundaries.

It's hard. I know it is. I've tried and failed many times, but preserving your energy and emotional health is enough of a reason to keep trying. If the last month has taught me anything, it's that I don't need to be around people who make me feel bad. They aren't worth my energy. I hope you'll hold on to that, too.

Now - onto the good stuff: Babe N's photo shoot! Check out her images and hype her up. She was a dream to work with. Funny story: she came to a different photoshoot to be one of my other client's hype women. She had a mask on, though (I do my best to keep everyone safe in the studio so everyone except the client wears a mask), and all I could see were her eyes. When she came in for her very own photo shoot, I didn't even recognize her! We had a big ole laugh about it, and then Babe N proceeded to knock the absolute hell out of her session. She's a bad ass. She's raised incredible children. She's a firefighter. She's hot as all get out. I know you're going to dig her session.

How do you feel about your body? I like some parts, some not as much. I have nice boobs, but they are hard to dress.

What's your best tip for feeling sexy? Let Alicia take your pictures. I don't know when I have ever felt as sexy and empowered as I do when I see my pictures.

How do you feel about your age? I'm 41. I am very happy with what I have accomplished so far, and I am excited about what is yet to come.

What gets better with age? The choices you make have more experience, so your mistakes are less life altering.

What's the best compliment you've ever received? You did a good job raising your girls. They are good people.

What do you wish you could tell your younger self? Don't let anyone make you feel less than great.

Describe yourself in five words Hard working, strong, wife/mom/daughter, driven, and sensible.

What have you overcome or accomplished that you're proud of? My firefighting career. I have hundreds of hours of training, sixteen years of experience, and my peers elected me to one of our assistant chief positions.

On bad body image days, how will you remind yourself that you're awesome? I am awesome aren't I! I will look at my amazing photos and let them remind me that I am a sexy beast.

What's your favorite form of self care? I think making time for an afternoon nap is great self care, as is sipping on a glass of nice bourbon.