I was invited to photograph a portrait session that represented a letting go and healing of old wounds for a beautifully brave woman. Heather wanted to let go of the verbal abuse and bullying that she had experienced and witnessed throughout her life. I challenged her to take this session to the other side of bullying. The healing that can come. This healing is possible, not only for bullying, but any of the wounds in life that leave us feeling less than worthy.
Prior to her session, I asked Heather to send me a list of positive, healing words that held meaning to her.
- Beautiful
- Amazing
- Helping
- Selfless
- Worthy
- Perfect
- Adored
- Brilliant
- Confident
- Creative
- Delight
- Encourage
- Fortunate
- Funny
- Healed
- Positive
- Intelligent
- Imaginative
- Powerful
- Proud
- Strong
- Spiritual
- Thankful
- Grateful
- Motivating
“There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with.”
As deeply as the words people use to cut us down can go, there is a healing when we come to a place where we believe and feel words like the ones above. It may be hard to see at this moment, but you can overcome the hurt you have experienced or are currently going through. I know. Like Heather, I have overcome my past. I have let go of lies people have spoken over me. I have fought to feel comfortable in my skin and find beauty and strength within and without. I have come to a place when I know that I am enough. That I have nothing to prove to those around me. That I get to be the wonderfully artistic and quirky person that I was created to be. I get to be me. I know that not everyone will love me or be able to tolerate me, but that's OK. Perhaps we just weren't made to walk through this life together.
