You might know #MSbeautiful as a group on Facebook, but for myself, it started in conversations with the photographer, Al Murin. At the time, I couldn't even walk, but Al was determined to, "make me a model again." Which is funny, because I really haven't modeled since I was a Freshman, and have not even acted in years, due to my MS diagnosis. At this time, I couldn't even walk...but Al wanted to...make me a model again?!
But, you know what? That lit a fire under my bottom to keep on with my physical therapy and to keep striving to be the best I COULD BE. I started groups on Facebook, I started working with the ASBISG and I started doing shows on Brain Injury Radio. Meanwhile, Al and I kept talking and forming concepts about what we could do for my photo shoot.
Al Murin states on his website Creative Visuals: "
#MSbeautiful is a group on Facebook created by my friend Lisa Dryer to give women diagnosed with MS a place to support each other, discuss their MS issues, and feel good about themselves while living with MS. The idea of the photo shoot came from a similar concept I had done as a “Traveling Red Dress” event that was started by Jenny Lawson, a.k.a “The Bloggess.” The Red Dress symbolizes everything we deny ourselves because it is too expensive, too frivolous, too extravagant, or just not sensible. It was an empowerment event to say “this is me, and I’m going to do it,” whatever “it” is.
The #MSbeautful photo shoots follow that same concept and expand on it. Living with MS is a complete change in lifestyle and abilities. Some live almost normal lives, while others have memory, mobility, and daily functional issues. Depression and reduced self-esteem and self-worth are not uncommon side effects of living with MS. With these photo shoots, we are trying to create a safe and comfortable environment where those with MS can come out and participate at no cost, and meet with others living with MS. We want to create an awareness that while MS may make life a challenge, it doesn’t have to defeat you. We want to try to help the participants raise their self-esteem, and see that and each one of you is still beautiful.
The only requirement to participate is to try to wear something orange, and to write a short couple of sentences describing how participating in the event is important to you, how it empowers you, or how it makes you feel good."
With that in mind, I lived for the day when the photo shoot would happen. Lots had changed in my life since Al and I had started evolving the #MSbeautiful concept. I had moved states four times. I had found Chris. I had started eating a Paleo diet. I had gained and lost weight. My healthcare and happiness had changed greatly. And right before Al came out, I was hit with an exacerbation. I am currently on no MS medication, only using diet to help heal me. Of course, like all women, I went through a month of steroids and gained twenty pounds because of it. I was insecure and unsure of how I would look on camera.
Steroid weight gain is a huge issue for many women. Which is ridiculous. The whole idea of the #MSbeautiful project is to make us feel empowered, FULLY FEMALE again - in whatever that way is for you, to you. Free yourself from societies and beauties stereotypes, or embrace them in a whole new way! Cast aside the negative for the positive!
You can start to be a true #MSbeautiful member by just loving yourself a little bit more. Go on, it's allowed! Then invite 5 women to do the same and love themselves despite diagnosis! And to continue to spread the love!
I know that I felt after my diagnosis, this great need to be a fit woman -- unlike the one that I had ever been I wanted to run marathons, lift weights, be a superwoman in my snazzy new heels. I was just learning how to use a wheelchair three years ago and being bathed by a caretaker. Yet, I dreamed of so much more being possible.
For me, the photo shoot that happened was the culmination of a dream.
People ask if I felt good on the photo shoot days?
Well, I am the sickest I've been in three years right now. But, I wanted to show people what I was made of. And what I am made of is pretty tough stuff. And, frankly, Chris Morris and Al Murin sometimes had to carry me upstairs, but I did it. There was a day when I did not know how to put my gown on, (dress holes are pesky things when you have a brain injury,) and Lillie helped me get dressed, but we DID IT!
There was such a sense of community and togetherness! I couldn't believe it. If we had a problem, we hashed it out. Like adults. And I hope this forms a community that continues to speak openly and honestly about issues. I saw this photoshoot as a Capitol moment in my life, because of the coming together of people who ALL took away so many positives from the situation. Here, they had a day to feel good about themselves. A day where they could express themselves, if just for the camera. But, that would bring memories and friendships that last.
Perhaps, a day without so many worries as we normally have in our MS lives.
But, you know what? That lit a fire under my bottom to keep on with my physical therapy and to keep striving to be the best I COULD BE. I started groups on Facebook, I started working with the ASBISG and I started doing shows on Brain Injury Radio. Meanwhile, Al and I kept talking and forming concepts about what we could do for my photo shoot.
Al Murin states on his website Creative Visuals: "
#MSbeautiful is a group on Facebook created by my friend Lisa Dryer to give women diagnosed with MS a place to support each other, discuss their MS issues, and feel good about themselves while living with MS. The idea of the photo shoot came from a similar concept I had done as a “Traveling Red Dress” event that was started by Jenny Lawson, a.k.a “The Bloggess.” The Red Dress symbolizes everything we deny ourselves because it is too expensive, too frivolous, too extravagant, or just not sensible. It was an empowerment event to say “this is me, and I’m going to do it,” whatever “it” is.
The #MSbeautful photo shoots follow that same concept and expand on it. Living with MS is a complete change in lifestyle and abilities. Some live almost normal lives, while others have memory, mobility, and daily functional issues. Depression and reduced self-esteem and self-worth are not uncommon side effects of living with MS. With these photo shoots, we are trying to create a safe and comfortable environment where those with MS can come out and participate at no cost, and meet with others living with MS. We want to create an awareness that while MS may make life a challenge, it doesn’t have to defeat you. We want to try to help the participants raise their self-esteem, and see that and each one of you is still beautiful.
The only requirement to participate is to try to wear something orange, and to write a short couple of sentences describing how participating in the event is important to you, how it empowers you, or how it makes you feel good."
With that in mind, I lived for the day when the photo shoot would happen. Lots had changed in my life since Al and I had started evolving the #MSbeautiful concept. I had moved states four times. I had found Chris. I had started eating a Paleo diet. I had gained and lost weight. My healthcare and happiness had changed greatly. And right before Al came out, I was hit with an exacerbation. I am currently on no MS medication, only using diet to help heal me. Of course, like all women, I went through a month of steroids and gained twenty pounds because of it. I was insecure and unsure of how I would look on camera.
Steroid weight gain is a huge issue for many women. Which is ridiculous. The whole idea of the #MSbeautiful project is to make us feel empowered, FULLY FEMALE again - in whatever that way is for you, to you. Free yourself from societies and beauties stereotypes, or embrace them in a whole new way! Cast aside the negative for the positive!
You can start to be a true #MSbeautiful member by just loving yourself a little bit more. Go on, it's allowed! Then invite 5 women to do the same and love themselves despite diagnosis! And to continue to spread the love!
I know that I felt after my diagnosis, this great need to be a fit woman -- unlike the one that I had ever been I wanted to run marathons, lift weights, be a superwoman in my snazzy new heels. I was just learning how to use a wheelchair three years ago and being bathed by a caretaker. Yet, I dreamed of so much more being possible.
For me, the photo shoot that happened was the culmination of a dream.
People ask if I felt good on the photo shoot days?
Well, I am the sickest I've been in three years right now. But, I wanted to show people what I was made of. And what I am made of is pretty tough stuff. And, frankly, Chris Morris and Al Murin sometimes had to carry me upstairs, but I did it. There was a day when I did not know how to put my gown on, (dress holes are pesky things when you have a brain injury,) and Lillie helped me get dressed, but we DID IT!
There was such a sense of community and togetherness! I couldn't believe it. If we had a problem, we hashed it out. Like adults. And I hope this forms a community that continues to speak openly and honestly about issues. I saw this photoshoot as a Capitol moment in my life, because of the coming together of people who ALL took away so many positives from the situation. Here, they had a day to feel good about themselves. A day where they could express themselves, if just for the camera. But, that would bring memories and friendships that last.
Perhaps, a day without so many worries as we normally have in our MS lives.
Comments
Post a Comment