I’ve been talking about self-love for a decade now. At first, it was all soft edges and warm affirmations, the emotional frosting on life’s cake. It felt lovely, even effortless. But as time went on, I learned that true self-love is more like pastry—layered, sometimes fiddly, requiring patience and an open heart. Because self-love takes work. It’s the art and act of taking care of ourselves in a multitude of ways, the daily commitment to meeting ourselves with compassion and care.
What lies at the foundation of this work is self-awareness. I’ve spent years guiding others through it, peeling back the layers to see ourselves fully, flaws and all. Just as there are no “bad” photos of us—only images that capture parts of who we are—there’s no part of ourselves unworthy of being seen and held tenderly. I’ve stared into the most unpolished parts of myself and learned to accept even the bits I once wished to edit out. in my other work, I have witnessed my face contorted in ecstasy and seen my body from angles that none of us are meant to perceive. And I have learned to accept and embrace all of it. This, too, is self-love.
So often, we see only the end result: a polished photo, an announcement of arrival, a celebratory highlight. But that’s not self-love; it’s simply a glimpse of the glossy parts ready and prepared for public consumption. For anyone who has reached out about my self-portraiture, SW journey, or learning to see yourself through a truer lens—this offering is for you. Self-love, as I see it, isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling safe and whole in your skin, knowing every angle and every facet deserves tenderness.
If you’re ready to begin this journey, I’d be honored to guide you. Starting this week, I’m offering virtual self-love coaching, with an introductory price until December 1st. If you’re curious & want to dip a toe in, just click here.
Here’s to the grittier side of love, and to the courage it takes to see and embrace it all.
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