Stepping out of my comfort zone

Why is stepping out of your comfort zone so important? Why do people talk about this so much? What benefits are there to pushing yourself in this way? These are all questions that I asked myself before March 2020. I often saw people doing this, and wondered what it would take for me to do the same thing. Naturally shy, lacking in confidence and with low self-esteem I couldn't imagine myself being able to push myself in this way. And these personality traits have held me back in the past.

But March 2020 descended upon us all, and with my experience came a diagnosis that would change my life forever. At the time I thought my life was over, but I have come to realise that it was in fact just beginning. Some of you will know that I was diagnosed with diabetes, and that the diagnosis I was given was very bleak. I was told it was a diagnosis for life, that I would be unlikely to reverse it through lifestyle and dietary changes, and that I would be on medication for the rest of my life. Combine this with the news that we were going into lockdown and that I was now high risk for Covid, you can imagine this was a dark time for me and my family.

There is however a silver lining to this story. I went on a path of discovery, I looked at nutrition, my underlying health issues that had caused my diabetes, gut health, vitamin deficiency and how I could adapt to a new way of living that would transform my health, mental health and general well being. It's been a journey to say the least and I am not there yet. But my blood sugar is coming down, I have lost over a stone in weight, I have never taken medication, and I understand my health more than I ever have. 

Two promises

I made two promises to myself once I had come to terms with the reality of my situation. The first was to get my blood sugar into a normal range (and that is a work in progress). The second was to do things that challenge me, to step out of my comfort zone. For me 2022 is all about doing that. And when I have been asked to speak publicly I have, I have made more video for my business where I am front and centre, I have gone live on social media and most recently I attended Lauren McWilliam's Brand Photography session at Ashleigh King's beautiful studio Flamingo Heights.

Previously when I have been asked to have my picture taken I have been nervous, reluctant, anxious and doubtful. But there is something about getting a life-changing diagnosis that really helps you throw caution to the wind, and my philosophy has become 'If not NOW then when?' So when this opportunity came up I said 'absolutely YES!'

Upon arrival at Flamingo Heights I was met by Lauren who made me feel welcome and totally comfortable, she gave me a wonderful goodie bag with a bottle of prosecco and some treats in it. It was such a lovely thoughtful touch that really made me smile. 

Behind the scenes

I was then introduced to the very talented Meg Joannou who is the most amazing make up artist. When asked if I would like my make up done I decided that I would love to get pampered for the session. I have to say that this is something that I was worried about as make up is very personal and there is a certain vulnerability that you can feel giving up this kind of control. But as I have a new approach to life I knew I had to just go for it.

Meg was absolutely amazing, she totally put me at ease. She talked through what she could do, what I would like and she made me feel so relaxed. We had a lovely chat about her profession, what her favourite make up and products were and I felt confident and ready for my shoot after she had worked her magic.

At this point you can imagine I was really looking forward to the shoot and couldn't wait to start working with Lauren. She again out me totally at ease and talked through what we could do. I mentioned that I had brought two dresses with me and I could do an outfit change if she thought that would work. I mentioned that one of my dresses (with turquoise flowers on it) reminded me of a dress that my grandma had, and that whenever I wear it I think of her, and I feel as though she is watching over me. And that the dress with the pink flowers shows off my statement Angel of the North necklace which has become a bit of a trademark product. 

Does it matter who photographs you?

Having access to Ashleigh King's beautiful studio Flamingo Heights was also an absolute treat. This gave us the opportunity to really play around with colour, position and composition. I hadn't realised that the furniture in Ashleigh's studio was the perfect colour palette for the dress I was wearing too. And these images are definitely some of my favourites.