#positiveposse - I Love Myself(ie)

​We live in an exceptionally visual age. Attached to screens of varying sizes, we communicate and capture our lives on electronic devices. So it's no surprise that with apps like Instagram and Pintrest our lives are filled with snapshots that eternally circle the Web (do people still call it that?!). But with the age of hyper-accesibilty comes the trolls, the meanies, the bitches, the haters.  People we know and people we don't, who feel it necessary to comment their opinions, both nice and negative on our holiday snaps, pre-night out outfit shares, our bathroom selfies and those moments when the natural lighting is just too good to dismiss. There are those out there calling it shallow and attention seeking...

Well I am here to say:

I Love MySelf(ie)

And why shouldn't I? This body and face has been through so much it should be honoured and respected. I've been asked if one of my stretch marks was a scar from being stabbed (damn fool!), broken both my big toes, have put on weight, lost weight, have a dodgy right eye and need glasses, have a gummy smile and dimples when I grin. This body has got me round the world and saved me from scrapes, hazards and catastrophes. It breathes, it walks, it talks, it learns, it loves - so why shouldn't I love it unconditionally? And share that love with the world? People share pictures of their pets, purchases, places, pasta they love. So why not share pictures of the one I love?

Having spent my teens and early twenties painfully aware of the things that made me 'different', I now embrace my uniqueness. If I wake up in the morning and think I look good,  imma saviour that moment with a little pic. If I've had my make up done to perfection on set, hold up and let me take a selfie.  If my outfit gives me curves in all the right places then swerve and let me snap that!

We spend too much time considering, comparing and critiquing ourselves when we should be celebrating the fact that every day we can get up and go conquer the world because of the body we have been blessed with. If others think you're vain or conceited or superficial, let them, that's their business. It says more about them than it does about you. You just do you, you're the only one who can.

So take that selfie, squarify it, share it. But don't do it for the 'likes' do it because you like you and you're proud to say it. Don't fade away in a filter, let your inner radiance shine brighter than that Valencia glow. I used to hide from the camera - you go try and find more than 5 pictures of me aged 15 to 18 - but now I am happy to be able to virtually frame moments of happiness in my life and share them with people I love. And if strangers wanna look too, let em. Maybe you're strength and love can inspire them to love themselves as well.

​@LaurenDouglin

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One of the most gorgeous days of 2014 with my incredible sis-in-law @sowi000

Taken after the first time I had been to a hairdressser in 12 years @ehsalon

Blog inspired by this make up look from the set of Face Blind created by MUA Rose Daniel. (click for link) Buzzing after an incredible day!

Laura Jane Dunkerley - After I'd just booked a massive job in Paris (this was taken just after I surprised my mum at the family home and told her the news! Best day ever! (Click pic for Instagram link)

Becky Gittens and friends

Click for Instagram

Franni Mansfield @Icklefranni

Tyler Payne @tyler20121

Alexandra Evans - Actually love this - taken just after I cut off my hair for the first time ever, I was terrified before but loved it after (Click pic for website link)

Dee Keaveney - Taken about 2 years ago on an NYC subway platform on the way to an audition and it was a beautiful day and I just in a good mood (Click pic for Instagram link)