I had such a fulfilling experience working with Miss Z, she came into my studio looking for a space to celebrate herself and find a little joy in her now body. You can see the light in her through every photo. It is always a blessing to work with women who genuinely love themselves and their bodies. Her fun playful energy is so inspiring and captivating. I hope you enjoy her images as much as I loved taking them. Here is a little more about finding joy in what should be your ultimate happy place, your own body.
What truly defines a "happy place"? In contemporary discussions, a happy place is often characterized as an idyllic moment, a refuge from life’s less pleasant realities. Yet, its true meaning encompasses more. A happy place is anywhere or any pursuit that stirs that profound emotion: Joy. Importantly, this includes not just external locations or activities, but also the internal sanctuary of our own bodies.
Pause and recall the last time you felt a surge of genuine Joy. Think about the environment and what was transpiring at that moment. It’s likely a memory linked to one of your happy places, possibly even the comfort and acceptance of your own body. However, it's common to drift away from these personal sanctuaries over time.
As children, Joy seemed innate, arising spontaneously and unexpectedly. As adults, we often lose touch with this intrinsic ability, especially in learning to find Joy in our own physical being. Advised to "Stay positive" or "Focus on the brighter side," the journey to rediscover Joy, particularly within ourselves, can be challenging.
Herein lies a simple, yet profound solution: embracing practices like boudoir photography. Boudoir is not merely about capturing images; it's a journey to healing and reconnecting with our bodies. It offers a unique pathway to finding Joy, by celebrating and accepting our physical selves in their most authentic form. Miss Z is a perfect example of a woman who has done the self work to love and accept herself, but doing a boudoir experience was away for her to really celebrate herself and embrace her body.
Children gravitate towards Joy naturally, but as responsibilities mount, we may neglect this connection, especially with our own bodies. Like other areas of our lives that now require deliberate planning—social events, hobbies, or intimate moments—rediscovering Joy in our own skin requires conscious effort.
Joy, like a steadfast friend, is always there, waiting to be acknowledged in the places we've known and within ourselves. Whether it's reconnecting with nature, indulging in a creative pursuit, or embracing the empowering experience of boudoir photography, these avenues can reignite the Joy that was always there. It is never to late to take a chance on yourself and do a boudoir shoot. It really is for every woman!
The essence of a life well-lived differs for each person, but the common thread is the enjoyment of life. More than just being efficient or smart, it’s about embracing life fully, which includes finding Joy in our own bodies. Boudoir photography can be a key to unlocking this aspect of Joy, teaching us to appreciate and love our physical selves.
Take a moment to list the experiences that bring you happiness, not forgetting the powerful act of embracing your own body. And if you choose only one activity this week, let it be something that reconnects you to your sense of Joy, perhaps even considering the transformative experience of boudoir. You, your body, and Joy have much to rediscover together.
