For many years, I craved attention, I yearned to be heard and desperately sought to be loved. It felt as if my entire existence relied on external validations that almost never came, leaving me in a perpetual state of waiting!
I’m no longer happy with just surviving. The time has come for me to step boldly into new realms, into the kind of vulnerability that challenges every limiting belief I’ve ever held about myself. I’m unveiling the parts of me that have long been covered in shadows—those aspects deemed too shameful, too ugly, too unlovable by my harshest critic: myself. I’m speaking truths that might invite reactions, but I’ve come to understand that the pain of silence is far more damaging than any criticism I might face.
This journey of self-exposure is unfolding and pushing my tender heart into a tornado of doubts. Will I be liked? Will others accept the true essence of who I am? Will they appreciate my art? Fears that perpetually long to be embraced.
However, beyond this longing, there’s a stronger, more profound desire: to come home to myself! To remain faithful to my heart and the calls of my spirit. This commitment to authenticity is guiding my life now, promising a path filled with discomfort but rich in mystery and magic.
So I pose these questions not just to myself but to you as well:
- How uncomfortable are you willing to get?
- How vulnerable can you allow yourself to be?
- What are the truths you need to unveil to liberate yourself from fear?
- What fears are you ready to face head on by saying NO, when no to others means yes to yourself?
- Where might you be abandoning your true self in the pursuit of love and acceptance?
For years, I believed that being loved by others was the ultimate validation of my worth. But I’ve learned that the most profound acceptance comes from within, from honouring and loving the abundant aspects of myself. It’s a journey not of seeking external validation, but of deepening self-love. I’m loving myself, a practice I’m embodying and this new version of me is allowing a deeper healing, truer truths and access to a vast well of power that resides within.
Photography has been a profound journey of self-discovery for me. The lens has not only captured the beauty of the women I’ve photographed but has also reflected back to me, my inner landscape, rich with undiscovered emotions and hidden strengths. Each click has been a step closer to understanding myself.
The stories these women bring to the frame have inspired me to look deeper within myself, to confront my own stories with courage and honesty. Through their eyes, I have seen the reflection of my own essence, learning that self-love isn’t just about acceptance but about celebrating the multitude of elements that compose our being.
As I captured the skies within their souls, through my lens, they unknowingly opened the way to reveal the Heaven in my own.
This photographic journey has taught me the importance of listening—to our inner voice but also the silent stories told by our hearts and bodies. Embracing this process has allowed me to reconnect with my core, finding beauty not only in what is seen but also in what is felt.
So as we hold our cameras or gaze into the mirrors of our lives, let us remember that each moment of self-reflection is a step toward deeper self-understanding and love. Photography brought me back to my roots, to the essence of my true self, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
IT’S AMAZING WHAT LOVE CAN DO! So, let’s make this promise today, to walk this path together, embracing our vulnerabilities and transforming them into our greatest strengths! The most significant discovery is the return to ourselves, where true beauty resides!
With love and roses,
Jussara