Day 14 : 30 Days of Gorgeous- Michelle

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty, to me, definitely shines from within. It is not always seen, but can be a presence, it is felt.

It can be simply the beauty that radiates from eye contact, a touch, a smile, gestures.

Being present.

A beautiful heart shows kindness and love.

Tell me about your work what do you do ?

I am employed as a Receptionist at the Mantra Aqua Resort, Nelson Bay. I love my job and the people I work with.

When do you feel most beautiful?

Wow ….. tough question!

Honest answer – not very often at all!!

But usually after I’ve been to my amazing hairdresser, Justine!

What does being a woman mean to you?

Belonging to the sacred sisterhood.

Being a woman is possessing the gifts and qualities of loving, nurturing, primal instincts, curves in the right places, and an empowered and fierce fire on the inside!

What do you love about yourself?

I am a loving and devoted Mum.

I have a great sense of humour.

I am an excellent listener.

I am genuine.

I love deeply and give freely, without expectations.

I have a nice smile.

Tell me your story:

In a nutshell…. I had a very happy and stable childhood. I have two loving parents and a younger brother and sister. I met and fell in love at 16, married at 21, moved to the Bay in 2000, which is the year I was blessed with my first child, my son Ryan, when I was 28. Jake followed in 2002 and Halle in 2006. My cup was full. We had beautiful life in the home we had made at One Mile Beach. Until around 2009 when my husband was diagnosed with PTSD, then Bi-Polar. With his illness and being long-term injured and unemployed, life became extremely difficult for my children and I. Our home eventually became a very unhealthy and toxic environment, and having failed to help my husband seek the help he desperately needed, the kids and I left. I have had to grieve the man I had loved for 28 years while he still stood in front of me, an empty shell of himself. Leaving almost broke me, but staying was slowly killing me. November 2016 – broke, broken, unsure of my future and taking care of my children, I had almost sunk to the extreme depths of despair. But surprisingly I felt an enormous calm and relief. I quickly began to rise again and found a strength and power I didn’t know I possessed. For the first time in many years I felt I could take a full and complete breath. I had incredible help from my wonderful family and friends, as well as the gorgeous Sue from the Yacaaba Centre. 2019 has seen me almost completely emerging from the darkness. I am on a wonderful and exciting journey, and I feel immense gratitude everyday for the life I have created, as well as for my Circle.

what is the biggest turning point in your life?
Having my children showed me the depths of my capacity to love, my selflessness, my strength, and the ability and permission to listen to my inner wisdom.

Please finish the statement- I am a person who…..

Loves my children fiercely. Cherishes family and close friends. Is very giving, empathic, and in-tune with what others may need – I have been in the dark, I recognise the silent cries for help. I don’t want that suffering for others, I use my personal experience to try to help and support.

I love the simple things in life; time at the beach, watching, listening to, and the smell of the ocean sooths me. I love seeing my kids happy and enjoying what makes them happy. I love the sun. I love sunflowers!! I love the Spring and Summer. I love good coffee, the occasional glass of wine, NETFLIX and chocolate! I love spending time with the people who mean the most to me. I love Yoga and I love going to the Gym.

Tell me about a goal you are working on:

That’s easy – Losing weight, getting fit, happy and healthy!

Also working BIG TIME on my self-confidence, which is completely ZERO, and the reason I felt called to participate in 30 Days of Gorgeous (thanks, Linda !)

What is your goal with your photography session?

I honestly and truly HATE photos of myself. I have only a few of me with my kids from over the past 7 years or so. I want to see another side of me, one that is not afraid of whatever story the photos will show me. Even though I’ll be hiding behind the costume, the hair and make-up, this photography session will be a HUGE first step for me in moving out of my comfort zone and confronting this fear….

The first person I am gonna show the images is… ( and why..)

All my closest girlfiends – Nic, Brodie, Justine, Leanne, Leila, Con…. these girls whom I love and trust and will “get it” because they have been by my side throughout this journey.

Thank you, Michelle , for taking part in this project. I hope to see you again soon!

Thanks to the wonderful team of Fresh Salon Nelson Bay that did the absolute amazing make over. ( www.freshsalon.com.au)

COMMENTS

Linda Beks

December 1, 2019 at 4:17 am

Hi Lee ! thanks for your lovely words! I was overseas so sorry for the late reply! I would love to do promo photos for you! cheers Linda

Lee J. Collier

November 15, 2019 at 11:39 am

Hello – the shots are amazing!
I’m a Singer/Songwriter & I’ve fostered children for 8 yrs. My bio sons are now 20 & 19yrs. We don’t Foster anymore after the last sibling group of 4 was moved on after 4 years (we had the baby since she was 6mths)….it broke all our hearts. I currently work in High Level Dementia Care where they love my singing and while it’s very rewarding, it’s also very stressful. I want to get back into doing Singing work for my own mental health. I need new promo photos and your work is gorgeous! Thanks for reading.
Kind regards,
Lee

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