The Story Of you.

Content Warning: These stories contain mentions of body dysmorphia, body image struggles, and gendered violence. If you find any of the below triggering, please find a list of helpful and free resources below:

DV/SV: 1800 RESPECT

Mental Health: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues: Butterfly Foundation 1800 ED HOPE

This is Heidi, a wonderful woman who is on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Heidi has always been categorized as “obese", going through puberty at age 6. She has struggled with an eating disorder, depression, and undiagnosed ADHD, until finally receiving her diagnosis a couple of years ago. About 5 years ago, she lost her ability to walk due to a herniated disc in her spine, forcing her to quit her job. Slowly, she began to walk again and enjoy life, but the pain returned two years ago, leading to another job loss. After being dismissed by multiple doctors, she found a surgeon who operated, allowing her to walk again despite residual pain and nerve damage. Now, she is running, playing sports, and dancing again, learning to balance the love she has for her body as well as the resentment that sometimes lingers.

Before her shoot, Heidi was a little nervous but mostly excited. She worried about what to wear and how to pose. Despite these nerves, she felt an incredible sense of confidence during the shoot, loving the process of bringing the poses to life and feeling sexy. Heidi described it as a different kind of confidence that came through her, helping her feel in her element.

Heidi's experience was transformative, particularly after recently undergoing treatment for an eating disorder. She had a moment that shattered the bullshit surrounding diet, medical, and weight loss culture. Sitting down with herself, she decided what healthy means to her. Doing this shoot around the same time, feeling sexy and desirable in her bigger body, and learning to be gentle and loving towards herself was crucial in her journey.

The tattoo was the icing on the cake for Heidi. Initially drawn to one tattoo in particular, she hesitated, with her conditioned thoughts interrupting with "I don't want a 'fat' person tattooed on me." After asking friends for their opinions and confiding in her sibling, who helped her breakthrough her mental barrier, she chose the tattoo. It has become the most empowering thing to see on her body every day, reminding her of what she is working so hard to nourish in herself. We could not be more obsessed with this decision!

Overall, Heidi's experience was truly amazing. From the beautiful makeup session with the most lovely gal to the actual shoot with Taylah, who made her feel so beautiful and comfortable, to her tattoo prize at the end—what a day and what an incredible group of girls!