Eden

A wise woman one wrote: "every woman should have some awesome images of themselves that they can be proud to show of or … keep private!" Up until this past year, I would not have been able to understand that statement. In fact, most of the photos that I of the past five years have been discarded … A fact that is sadly true though I deeply regret that now.

Approximately five years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I was young, starting college, confident and fearless. That changed. I don't want to give a sad story or give the impression I am feeling sorry for myself, but for five years, I did feel sorry for myself. I used food to cope and I played "victim" to the things that happened (cancer is only one of three major events that happened during that time, however, I am not comfortable describing the others on a public forum). While I had amazing friends and amazing family, I often turned to food, as mentioned, and gained a significant amount of weight. After another life changing event happened, I decided to fight back. I was angry with all that had happened to me, and I used that anger in a positive way - to make changes happen. The forces of my energy and hard work helped see change happen on a systemic level of a major Canadian institution, it brought change to the way people are treated medically and emotionally during traumatic times, but the biggest change I saw was in myself. I took charge of my own life. I got physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. Not only was I able to lose the weight I had put on, I gained a new found respect and love for myself and ultimately my confidence and self-esteem grew.

While and my health isn't 100%, I truly feel as though my life is perfect! I found an amazing man (to be married this year) who loves and supports me, I am working in a career whereby I am able to help others in difficult times, and I am happy! I can't believe the years I wasted worrying about how I look.

I think the opening statement of my entry is one I can only now at this phase of my life appreciate because I now value myself as a person. I want to celebrate this time! I want to take photos because I feel as though the happiness I have found radiates from me, and as we all know, photos last a life time! It is the memory that never fades! And I want to remember myself like this, not like the person I was!

I want this free photo shoot for two reasons: 1) to celebrate becoming the person I have, from the inside out, so I can look back and smile and remember how far I have come and 2) I want to give the photos to my future husband as a gift for loving me and supporting me! He thinks confidence is beautiful and I believe the confidence of a boudoir photo shoot combined with the talent of Tait Photography is an AMAZING combination!