It’s time for us to accept our bodies for what they truly are. Many women grapple with body image issues throughout their lives, and these feelings often intensify during and after pregnancy. After navigating her own struggles with her postpartum body, a yoga teacher and mother of two young boys, aged 20 and 9, felt compelled to celebrate her body and its resilience through a powerful photo shoot.
Emma Collins collaborated with photographer David Grant of Expressions Untold for this meaningful project. “Whenever I gazed in the mirror, all I could see were the flaws in my midsection. I allowed societal pressures to diminish my perception of myself,” Collins shared in an interview. However, when Grant reviewed the photos, one image of Collins’ postpartum body stood out.
“Taking a deep breath… this is me… 20 years post-baby, embracing every inch. For far too long, I viewed this as baggage,” Collins expressed in her Instagram post. “But over the last two years, I’ve embarked on a journey of self-discovery. The universe has guided me to thoughts, circumstances, and people that have helped me reconnect with my true self. I no longer let societal norms dictate who I am. I unapologetically embrace my body, whether I’m in a bikini or doing handstands on the beach because I am proud of who I am. Forget your photoshopped ideals—your standards no longer hold power over me.”
This is how empowerment looks in action.
According to the National Eating Disorders Organization, 40-60 percent of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are worried about becoming overweight. This statistic reveals a concerning reality: young girls are already internalizing the pressure to fit a specific mold. These issues can follow them into adulthood, leading to lifelong battles with self-acceptance.
“I want women to truly love themselves, focusing on their strengths instead of perceived weaknesses,” Collins explained. “It’s essential to broaden society’s understanding of normality and diversity. Images like this in media grant women the freedom to be who they authentically are without compromising their true selves. Imagine how many years of self-doubt could be avoided if we saw bodies like mine represented in mainstream media.”
We are inundated with images that tell us we are not “enough” unless we conform to a certain size. After giving birth, additional pressures emerge, suggesting we should revert to our pre-pregnancy bodies almost instantly. But whose timeline are we following, and why do we allow others to dictate how we should look and feel?
“Enough is enough,” Collins declared. “I have a story worth sharing, and there are people who will listen.”
Indeed there are, Emma. And your message resonates deeply.
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In summary, Emma Collins’ empowering postpartum journey exemplifies the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity. By sharing her story and images, she encourages women to embrace their true selves, challenging societal norms and redefining beauty.