I can’t say I know a single woman that doesn’t have issues or emotional scars connected to their body image. In fact I know far to many who think a standard that has been pressed upon them is the only way to be beautiful. Yet in my journeys, my travels to so many towns to capture so many weddings I have seen so many gorgeous woman, in all shapes, in all ages of life.

Recently I was speaking with some one who had tried to be, as she referred to it, a stedford wife type in her relationship. Yet it wasn’t enough and the relationship had come to an end. She was left broken…until a gentleman came alone who loved every inch, curve, and truth about her. There she stood in the middle of trying to overcome having never been enough and accepting that now she was everything to someone. It was a valley and a mountain top that stood side by side and there she stood trying to accept which one she found to be truth in her heart.

Scars of a lifetime seem to stop most woman from accepting love, real love, love that accepts them for who they are.

It even stopped me…some days it still does. If I wasn’t married to an incredible stubborn, hardheaded man who is head over heels in love with me….I don’t know where I would be today. Yet I am and he kisses me in the kitchen, grabs me for no reason and holds me so tightly I feel like I am so completely loved it baffles me. Some days I think he has got to have a screw loose to love me and desire me the way he does, other days I am like..”oh dear goodness this man is soooo hot and he’s all mine” and I accept every look he sends my way. It’s not easy, that desire to slip back into the negative voice we all have as woman about our looks, our size, whether we are plus size or super skinny, hits us all. Sometimes daily.

My challenge to you ladies….Let yourselves be loved. Because only then can you love wholly and completely in return.

My challenge to you men…….Let her know everyday how much you love her. Because the world around you both seeks to destroy the joy and beauty you see every time you look at her. Guard her heart like it is gold and she will love you back in a way that makes you feel like a king among men. Trust me on that one.

and P.S.   always laugh. Never stop laughing. Because joy overcomes the wounds we bury so deep. Laugh until the deepest root of doubt has no hold on you. And then be free in your love for each other.

Remember I am always rooting for you…….because I know that love is the greatest most powerful force there is.

“I am beautiful in every single way and words can’t bring me down” these song lyrics should be your motto. Shout it out. Live strong.