How I'm Learning to Love Myself More (And How You Can, Too)

I'm a perfectionist.

You know, the kind who cares how things are stacked in the dishwasher, or is constantly running around cleaning things up. But for me, perfectionism runs deeper than just being tidy.

It shows up in the way I go to the gym, not just to be healthy and strong, but to look my best. In the way I replay conversations in my mind. In the way I criticize myself when I look in the mirror or see photos of myself.

The quiet thoughts like:

I wish my hair were thicker.

I wish my boobs were bigger (cheers to my children for stealing those from me...)

They seem harmless. But every time I say those things, I'm subtly telling myself, "You're not good enough, you're not worthy of being called beautiful."

Those thoughts are actually training my attention on what I perceive as my flaws and creating a feedback loop that keeps me from loving myself, as I am right now. I'm so busy focusing on optimizing and perfecting and being something else that I miss the wonder of experiencing the goodness of the present.

Learning to See Differently

What's been changing for me is learning to see myself through a different lens.

It's about seeing myself through eyes that are grounded in the fact that I am a child of God, created perfectly in His image. God's perfect design for my life includes my personality, my emotions, and yes, my physical body. This doesn't mean that there isn't room for growth, but in a state of perpetual idealism and growth-mindedness, it's a reminder to slow down and be content with who I am and where I'm at. It's a reminder to dwell on God's goodness and perfection and not my own inadequacies.

Another thing that's changed me? Getting in photos with my kids.

When I'm with them and I'm truly enjoying their presence, the joy is written all over my face. What I look like matters less than the love I see in those images. They don't care if I have makeup on, if my hair is messy, or my stomach is a little squishy. They care that I delight in them, that I love them.

Those photos softened something in me.

A New Practice

Now, when I look in the mirror each morning, I do something different.

I thank my body for carrying me through every season. I thank God for my health that allows me to live fully in every aspect of my life. I look myself in the eye and speak gratitude over the qualities that allow me to love my family and serve others well. I choose to dwell in gratitude and abundance rather than in criticism and perfectionism.

Confidence isn't waiting for some future, perfected version of ourselves.

It's honoring who we are today.

It's choosing gratitude over criticism.

It's allowing ourselves to be seen.

Why This Matters as a Photographer

As a photographer who believes deeply in this work, I've seen how transformative it can be when a woman stops trying to "fix" herself and instead allows herself to be celebrated.

So many women search for a photographer who can create beautiful images. But what they're really longing for is to feel confident. To feel radiant. To feel seen.

That's why my luxury photo studio experience is designed differently.

From personalized wardrobe styling to a fully curated session, everything is intentional. You are pampered. You are cared for. And you are photographed in a way that reflects your strength, softness, and beauty, exactly as you are.

You don't have to change before stepping in front of my camera.

You don't have to lose weight.

You don't have to be more polished.

You don't have to become someone else.

You are already worthy.

If you're in Hartland, Lake Country, Milwaukee, or Southeastern Wisconsin and you're ready to show up for yourself with love, joy, and compassion, I'd love to be part of that journey.

I want to experience this

Photo by the talented Arica Lipp