I’ve been on this journey of self-discovery through self portraiture for six years now. For 6 years I’ve photographed myself a couple times a month in hopes of finding who I am outside of a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. I wanted to see myself in a way that wasn’t clouded by self judgment and life experiences that have left me feeling less than whole. I always thought there was a definitive answer when it came to a person’s identity.
This year, I have grown confident in the fact that I am the sum of all the good and bad life experiences I’ve had. I am more than a mother, wife, daughter, sister, or friend. I am more than a photographer or teacher. There’s no definitive explanation for who I am as a person. I am all the things- big and small, good and bad. My personality grows and evolves on a yearly basis. Empathy and softness will always exist at my core, but I’ve been hardened over the last few years. Strength and resilience, as well as weakness and hurt, have formed me into a much more complex individual. Forged in fire. And I’m proud of that. I’m proud of my ability to love and forgive and show empathy and stand up for myself at the same time.
Here’s to year 6:
