“My confidence is beautiful”
“The reason I feel this picture is empowering is because I was a tom-boy growing up and even though I dreamed of being a model, I always saw myself as the ugly duckling and not comfortably photogenic. It didn’t help that I was a late bloomer. I never got asked to any school dances and was very introverted and insecure. Throughout my adolescence, this translated into severe body image issues and perfectionism, which started to erode my health, causing autoimmune hypothyroidism. The qualities that ultimately empowered me were unrelenting willpower and passion. I saw my goal through to become a pro model and pro bodybuilder. This photo was taken just months after I entered my first competitive fitness competition. I now see myself as a confident, inspiring, and successful young woman, and after finally giving myself a healthy dose of self-love and achieving a positive body image, I was able to fully heal myself. This was the real win, and I endeavor to inspire millions of women to do the same!” —JennieLynn
“I am more than my scars”
“I have had 15 surgeries, a brain tumor, a brain cyst, a punctured intestine, an obstructed bowel, and a condition called Hydrocephalus, and for many years, I always hid my scars. When I was 21 though, I decided to become a life coach and specialize in body confidence. In doing so, I realized this was the last battle I had to face in terms of my body confidence. I wore a bikini for the first time and launched my campaign Scarred Not Scared on Instagram to talk about surgery scars and unveil the silence that often surrounds chronic illness.” —Michelle Elman. Here’s why seeing all different body sizes is good for our mental health.
