January 2022 – Growing Braver

After being thrilled by the first photos from July 2021, I dared to take the next step: I showed the pictures to a few friends. Their reactions were consistently positive and encouraging. They found the photos inspiring and encouraged me to share them publicly.

Motivated by this feedback, I submitted the pictures to the project "dein körper ist genug" ("your body is enough"). This photo project, initiated by Caro Gugu, has been advocating for more body acceptance and diversity since 2019. It shows real people with their individual stories and bodies – unretouched and authentic – as a statement against unrealistic beauty ideals and for more self-love (dein-koerper-ist-genug.jimdosite.com).

The project touched me deeply and gave me lasting encouragement. Shortly afterwards, I decided to do a second shoot – independent of the project, but inspired by the positive experiences. This time I was braver, freer and more curious. Together with the photographer, we tried out new perspectives and ideas. Once again, striking photos emerged that make my development visible.

These experiences gave me additional courage. On top of that, I had continued to lose weight by then, which further strengthened my self-confidence.