Copy
View this email in your browser
Cherry Blossoms. A doodle interpretation of this photo
Thoughts this week

Hey <<First Name>>, 

It's May and we're back! Thank you for allowing me to take a brief break. Quick housekeeping note: I've switched over to MailChimp! It allows for more customization and makes this email prettier in my opinion. So if you're wondering why things look a little different around here, that's why. 

I'm going to share with you a quick note on body image. I know there are men on this email but stick with me here because it's a story I feel compelled to share. 

Growing up, there were people very close to me who spoke negatively about how others looked. This is not meant to shame them, it's simply what they did. We would be at restaurants and a remark would be made about the person dining at another table who couldn't fit fully in the chair. Or, if there was ever someone who needed assistance because of their weight, a snide comment was tossed into the air. 

Words are everything. When you're 11 and that's the message you get (skinny = beautiful and worthy; overweight = lazy and less than) it digs deep and clings to places you don't even realize words can cling to.

I never really struggled with my weight or body image until I moved to New York 5 years ago. Suddenly, everyone was going to $30 workout classes and drinking green juices and I felt so behind because that wasn't anything I ever had to think about. I danced and my metabolism did its thing. Now, that is no longer the case and that fact was really jarring for me. I'm constantly worried about clothes clinging in the wrong spot or how I think people perceive how I look (yep, I'm one of those humans who cares what people think). The worst part? I'm not even sure I realize the full measure of how I'm letting these thoughts reign over me. 

So why am I sharing this? 

1. God smacked me over the head to get me to talk about this. Five times this week the topic of body image has popped up: in my feed on Instagram and in not one but two podcasts I listen to (shoutout to The Refined Collective and Why Tho). I also wrote then deleted a post on IG for fear of seeming like I was humblebragging about not gaining weight as a child... 
2. One of those Instagram posts went something like this: How can a woman praise God for his beautiful sky and then turn around and look at her body in disgust? Guys, this is me! 
3. Let me take it one step further and challenge you with this:

If I, a creator, can't appreciate what my creator dreamed up when he made me, how on earth is the work I create ever going to be good enough in my eyes?

How will I ever be content and deem my work good, if I'm constantly striving because deep down, my thoughts about who I am are false? Listen to me: the work you do and are doing and will do is good because of who you are; because you are good

It's going to take a lot of work on my part to break habits and weed out these negative thoughts, but I'm up for the challenge, are you? 
What I'm considering

I love this section! I hoard articles throughout the week to send to you all so let's get to it.
Have you heard about Sarah Lawrence? Or what about the man who hired a hitman using the dark web and bitcoins? Spring cleaning is a pain but here are tips on how to clean your home when you don't have the time. Dior's Resort 2020 show was held in...Morocco? The tides of fashion are shifting and this show is a reminder of that. The Met Gala is coming up (remember, my dream is to be a fashion photographer, stay with me here), so let's look back on the greatest moments. Finally, if you don't read anything else, remember that there is no 'correct' way to be a creative
What you're considering

I'm trying something a little different here (because how do we grow if we don't try new things?). Instead of having you reply directly to this email, I'm going to try out a question form for a few weeks.
In each form there will be a question I'd like for you to consider and a section where you can share any other feedback (because I love hearing what you all have to say!) If you submit a response, please note that your name is required (so I can give you credit) but the second question is optional. 

So tell me, what are you considering this week

Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. 

 

Until next week, 

Louisa

LOUISA WELLS WRITES
Subscribe


MORE LOUISA 
Hire Me
More Writing
About Louisa
Copyright © 2019 Louisa Wells, All rights reserved.