This picture was taken almost 4 years ago, which seems insane when I really think about it.
But I remember when I first posted it. I was so proud. This shoot was so very well planned and every shot was thought out. Believe it or not, a lot of these poses aren’t easy to capture. It’s hard to stay still in a position that’s not natural, while flexing, and sitting on a hard surface, and trying to make a good face at the same time.
What I’m getting at, is a lot of effort goes into shots like this. And when I first posted this photo that I thought was so classy and classic, I got such mixed feedback. I had family members call my parents and ask “what’s Jamie doing?!” And be very taken aback by it.
You see, I’ve never been one to be conservative in any way so I was a little shocked by the reactions I received. Looking back now I see that this was right at the time when I truly started taking my personal brand seriously and I owe it a lot to the original reaction to this particular photo.
Why? Because it shined the light on the fact that I needed to be BRIGHTER with my own personal message. It ignited the fire in me to commit to being ME all the time; publicly, in private, online, off line, it doesn’t matter. I feel like that’s the most important thing we can do, GET CLEAR ON WHO WE ARE AND OWN IT.
This photo embodies a massive part of who I am. When I look at it, I see confidence. I see classic. I see my soul. I see adventure. I see grounded. I see wild. I see calm. I see honesty. I see a boss. I see fierce. I see a caregiver. I see a woman. I see a power. I see sensitive. I see strong.
As humans, we have so many layers to us and I believe it’s important to embrace everything that truly makes us who we are. This photo is a great reminder of that to me.
If you’re not sure what those things are about YOU. Start listening to yourself. Start being in silence more. Start paying attention to the things that set your soul on fire. Start noticing what makes you smile and what gives you goosebumps.
The most important thing you can do is invest in the relationship you have with yourself and truly get in touch with what makes you love who you are and focus on those things❤