This photo brought tears to my eyes and I agreed, wholeheartedly, with her appraisal. The portrait was titled The Beauty Love Left Behind.
Over the years I have thought again and again of that photo. This week I went to take a look at it and found that it no longer has a home on the internet. Initially I felt a sense of loss, but then something bloomed. An idea that has taken two years to grab hold finally became realized:
All the beauty in that picture is also in me!
I have decided that I am going to begin a self portrait challenge here on Cage Free. Once a month, or more when I find the inspiration, I will post a themed self portrait. If you are so inspired you can post up a portrait Here to the new CF Self Portrait Flickr Group.
In the spirit of putting myself out there I am going to overcome one of my biggest fears and recreate that beautiful, but now missing, photo.
This challenge is called: Would you change a thing?
My answer is No, and here is my portrait:
A mark for every breath you took, every blink, every sleepy yawn. One for every time you sucked your thumb, waved hello, closed your eyes and slept in the most perfect darkness. One for every time you had the hiccups. One for every dream you dreamed within me.It isn't very pretty anymore. Some may even think it ugly. That's OK. It was your home. It's where I first grew to love you, where I lay my hand as I dreamed about who you were and who you would be. It held you until my arms could, and for that, I will always find something beautiful in it
~Cassie Fox
18 comments:
I honestly say thank you.
My wife suffers esteem issues because of her body. My daughter grew strong and fast. I am thankful every day for both of them and especially for my wife. She gave me a perfect daughter and has always been a perfect, sexy, amazing, wonderful friend and partner. Especially now she is as sexy as the day I met her.
No one should be ashamed of the gift of life.
You are very brave. I applaud that. You are a great example for women everywhere.
-Matt
wow! :) u are so amazing! u r a good example for the rest of us! don't ever stop being everything u r!!! u r SO beautiful!
vic
Super sexy pic. I would LOVE to repost it to my photo blog http://riotclitshave.com. With your permission and credit of course.(and rehosted)
My friend Jess sent me to your site. Thank you~
Bean
Awesome! I am almost there...in terms of coming to terms with my new post-childbirth body. I am almost embracing my wider hips, heavier boobs and larger feet....
almost..but pictures like go a long ways in helping me get there faster!
I'm working out for the first time since my son's birth...and this time I'm not doing it to change my body (such a strange feeling) I'm doing it to be healthier and stronger so that I can be the best Mom possible to my young son.
Thanks for that picture.
Perfect title for a perfect photo!
This would be a great book cover. It says so much.
Once again Aimee,thankyou. I had this very conversation with my girlfriend last night. We were both moaning about our changed bodies, you know, gravity, stretchmarks, wider hips, saggy boobs, you name it.We both felt that we were nolonger as attractive because of our flaws, the silly thing is i know she is beautiful and she says regularly that i'm too hard on myself, i always have some smart comment as does she for me. Why is that? Why do we put ourselves down so? I know that i point out my flaws before anyone else can, by making it a joke i can hide behind the fear that someone will put me down again, treat me badly and use my childbearing marked body. If we criticise each other as women how can we expect men to be any different? Gives you a bit to think about eh?
I think that your picture is beautiful,as are you and i thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my friend too for reminding us how amazing our bodies are and all the happiness we've had in our lives because we had our children and sagged!!!) and NOT despite it.
Love, peace, health and happiness to you, Jeff and your precious babies, as always, from me and mine xXx
I meant to say used my childbearing marked body as something to make fun of and hurt me **doh**
You are amazing and encouraging! Thank you.
Lisa
I'm sure a lot of women appreciate your picture. When I was pregnant with twins, my doctor told me I lost the war. My kids like to play with my tummy like it's play doh. I tell people it looks like an elephant's knee. I love the title of your post. It's perfect.
You kick ass on so many levels. It's a comfort to see you blogging so much lately. I hope we are on your stop!
jess and caleb in rr
hey, were are you guys at in Florida? we are also.. just curious..
you are such a beautiful and lovely human being. please don't ever change.
ET, phone home.
Love, Daddy-O
shared this with many in my reader and on facebook. thank you.
Our bodies are a road map of our souls. The communion with God to create a miracle is the ultimate soul changing experience and our bodies have been forever altered as a badge of honorarium.
I am the Mama to 5 children and I feel that Every Mother needs to teach this to their Daughters.Thank you for sharing your beautiful picture.
I am the mama to Five children and I feel every Mother should teach this love to their Daughters.Thank you so much for this beautiful picture and putting a smile on my face today.
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