It's been a long time since I've taken brand and product photos. For the last several years, especially most of 2023, I've felt self-conscious about taking photos, especially of myself. I didn't like what I saw in the mirror. For years after my first miscarriage in 2018, I struggled with body dysmorphia. I was angry with my body for disappointing me and making me feel like I wasn't worthy of love, especially self-love and from those around me. I found myself binge eating, and I refused to exercise.
It'd been years of missed periods. I'd diagnosed myself with a condition I can't even pronounce. I'd convinced myself I didn't need to exercise and could eat whatever I wanted. Why? Because every time I introduced some new physical activity, my period would disappear again.
After my second miscarriage in 2022, my mental and physical health spiralled out of control. I was even angrier with my body. I didn't recognize the person in the mirror anymore. I'd donated pieces of my favourite outfits to charity, even some that reminded me of my childhood too much.
In October of 2022, I realized I needed help. I began seeing a therapist later speaking to a Naturopath. I wasn't sure how I felt about seeing a Naturopath, considering my first encounter with one about 10 years ago was disappointing. However, I heard great things about Dr. Kate. She'd helped many people get and sustain their pregnancy.
Dr. Kate encouraged the benefits of changing my diet and physical activity. She stressed that I wasn't on a diet but making changes to improve my physical and mental health would be beneficial.
After several weeks, I noticed a considerable improvement. I began enjoying walks around my neighbourhood and had a lot more energy than I ever did. There are moments when I doubt my progress and feel insecure. I've also fallen off my routine for a week or two straight. However, sometimes life throws you curve balls and wants you to focus on something else.
How does this all relate to my first content hang? Well, all the changes I've made in the last 12 months have changed my life. I don't hate the person I see in the mirror. At least not all the time. The combination of therapy and seeing a naturopath has dramatically impacted my mental and physical health. I was ready for someone else to take my branding photos.
The Content Hang with Katie and Amber from Small and Social Co. was an opportunity to see a visual representation of how much my life has improved in the last few months. Seeing how happy I look, my big smile and my goofy personality shining in those photos proves that all the hard work was worth it, and I can't wait to see how I look and feel when I do it again!
