Lydia
Age:
43
Occupation:
Medical Scientist
Why did you say yes to this campaign? What was your WHY to participate?
I wanted to do something that was just for me, no one else.
Tell me a little about you and your story:
Im a mother to a sensitive, beautiful, and intelligent- almost 5-year-old girl. Everything I do in life is about her 💜. Since becoming a mother my life has changed dramatically. I’ve taken myself out of an abusive marriage and gotten divorced. I work full time.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
I don’t like to look in the mirror too often. When I do, I see a body that could look better. I try to remind myself that I’m not that ravaged considering the struggles I’ve endured. I see someone who puts herself last.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Kind. Emotional. Loving.
Do you feel like you have changed since turning 40?
Yes.
What advice would you give to your younger self about caring for yourself?
Set boundaries and never doubt your intuition.
What do you consider self-love?
Making time for yourself to do anything that helps you feel better.
What do you love most about your new portraits? Is there something new you discovered about yourself?
I love how they’ve changed my mindset. As a scientist, my job is to report on the results I see in front of me. I tend to apply the same observations to myself (the rare time I examine myself in the mirror). With all the everyday pressures of life, it’s easy to forget to take the time to see the real you. The beauty behind the tired eyes, the overworked mom, the often stretched too thin individual. Your pictures gave me that opportunity to pause, and realize that we all have a unique beauty about us, that we just need reminding about.
What was your favourite part of working with me?
My favorite part of working with you: you have an angelic/ethereal quality about you that instantly puts one at ease. Especially in a situation where I feel I’m exposing my deepest vulnerabilities. An instance in time where I am the sole focus of someone else’s gaze. You made me lose some of my self-consciousness and feel really beautiful. You are an extremely talented photographer and artist, when your work can change someone’s opinion of themselves xx
