Real bodies are real beautiful

I did a life drawing studio recently and was impressed by how well this experience translated into a deeper appreciation of how beautiful a “real” body is – it doesn’t need to be air-brushed, pumped up with botox or surgically enhanced to be beautiful. Personally I think REAL is beautiful – I think when we mess with that, we mess with the opportunity to SEE the beauty of the real person shining through their eyes, their skin, their wrinkles, their expressions. At an art festival recently I was thrilled to see huge photos of older women in bathing costumes laughing and enjoying the FREEdom of BEing their authentic selves in their mature and beautiful authentic skins. I salute women of all ages, shapes and sizes. You, the real you, is beauty-FULL.  I’m not judging for a heartbeat those who have felt pressured to go under the knife or get injections and fillers. I understand the pressure of the society we live in, and the desire to be SEEN and valued for who we are. I see YOU!  I want to encourage you. You are beautiful whatever your natural shape, age, size –let the beauty of your character, your strength, your smile in the face of adversity, your resilience on a stormy day, your kindness and compassion, your wisdom and business savvy, your love of a stranger, your hospitality, your sexy sense of play and fun…let these things shine through your body whatever your shape, age, size. BE your beautiful self and be unashamed. Questions and feedback welcome. [email protected] @mp_sparkes