From Selfies to Self-Love
Part 3 of Margaritas and Mastectomy
In the lead-up to my surgery, as I shared in ‘Margaritas and Mastectomy,’ I played with the idea of hosting a ‘Bye Bye Bobbie Party’, a breast cancer fundraiser dinner, trivia night or gathering of some sort. But for various reasons it didn’t happen. I wanted to honour myself in a meaningful way and give myself something to look forward to post-surgery.
So as the universe had it a Self-Love paint-and-sip session with Sab at the Flourish Movement Studio popped up on my Instagram.I mentioned it casually to a couple of friends and they couldn’t make it. Because self-love is about honouring where I am, acknowledging where I’ve come from and celebrating this milestone, I followed through and booked the session. Mental note to self: always read the fine print!
What I hadn’t realised at the time of booking was that the Self-Love session required me to submit a nude photo of myself for the artist, Sab, to sketch in preparation for the workshop!So the day before my surgery, here I was hiding in the bathroom, nervously taking a naked selfie that would be sent to a stranger to sketch. Oh, the irony. Everything I’ve ever told my children not to do, I was doing. If my teens are reading this—yes, I know, you’re cringing. Sorry. But as the wild and weird mum I am, I went for it.Standing in front of the camera, I took in my body—the scars from previous surgeries, the stretch marks from carrying my children, the natural shifts that come with motherhood and midlife.
My body, in all its glory, carries the story of 43 years. It was confronting, but also deeply human. I sent that photo off to a stranger, that alone was weird enough.3 weeks post-surgery and the Paint & Sip event was incredible. In the end, two girlfriends joined me, and we added a veil to turn it into a spontaneous hens-style celebration. Sab, the event coordinator shared her journey and invited others to do the same. Each woman who spoke had a powerful reason for being there and many admitted that taking the photo had been confronting.
Why is it that as women we hyper-focus on certain body parts, our stomachs, thighs, arms, breasts and why don’t we give the same energy to our wrists or ankles? When did we learn to critique our bodies rather than celebrate them?
It took time to decide on the colour scheme and get started, but when I finally began painting my pre-surgery breasts, I was hit with a wave of emotion. Tears welled up as I realised the significance of the moment. Then my friend, who had been by my side through this journey, shared my story with the group, and I felt the collective support in the room.
It’s hardly a Picasso, but this painting is a piece of art with meaning, with my story woven into it.
If you have undergone a procedure or have one coming up, how have you or how will you, mark this chapter in your life?
How do you navigate self-love? Are you at peace with your body, or do you find yourself in constant criticism?
As a Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner and Wellness Coach, I’ve worked with countless women who have transformed their feelings of self-worth and self-love, shifting from limiting beliefs to a space of calm, contentment, and confidence. EFT is a powerful tool for releasing what holds you back and reconnecting with your authentic self.
If you’re struggling with self-love, if you’re tired of always putting others before yourself and long for a deeper connection with who you are, consider stepping outside your comfort zone. Try a self-love event like this (www.artbysab.com.au) or schedule a free consultation with me www.divineeft.com.au. Let’s rewrite the narrative together.
Because you—and your story—deserve to be honoured!