This is my body. There are many others like it, but this one is mine. My body is my best friend. It is my life. I must love it as I must live my life. Without me, my body is useless. Without my body, I am useless…
I’ve heard a lot of talk this year about the lack of diversity in women’s bodies that are shown in the media. In fact, even within plus sizes, the models used to showcase plus size fashion are usually capped off around a size 14-16. Now, I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with those bodies, what I am saying is that it would be nice to see a bigger variety of body shapes and sizes, more body diversity.
There may not be a lot of body diversity in the mainstream media, and I know that whenever I have been featured they have tried to make it seem almost shocking that a fat woman could be confident, intelligent, beautiful, capable and inspiring, but within the blogging world, there is a lot of diversity. There are bloggers of all shapes, sizes, races, colours, backgrounds… and we are all fabulous. We are the diversity that you have been seeking. We are real people, with our own sense of style that may even be like yours! I feel so fortunate to be part of this community, not just blogging, but plus size style blogging – there are just a handful of us in New Zealand, but through the awesome powers of the internet, I have blogs like The Curvy Fashionista, Garner Style, Suger Coat It and Margot Meanie close at hand.
So here I am. This is my body. Not photoshopped, not lit in a way to create an illusion of smoothness, not posed to create smooth lines … I just am. Just as you are. Whether you weigh 70kg or 170kg (or more, or less), your body deserves love and respect at all sizes. Be kind to yourself as you lose weight, laugh, fall ill, run, tone up, bear children, smile, grow old, cry or gain weight, as you experience life. No matter what kind of journey you are on, love the vessel that carries you, in all it’s forms.
In 2015 I will not only continue to celebrate my body, but I will help you to love and celebrate yours too. Because you are worth it. Don’t worry, I’m not going to make you all take photos in your lingerie. Unless you want to, of course…
This is my last blog post before I head off to spend some time with my family and friends. I’ll be back in a few days, but in the meantime you can follow my adventures on Instagram. I hope you enjoy the holidays (and if you’re working, thanks for being one of the people who helps keep things running! I’m working a little too – let’s take our holidays later, hmm?)
Meagan wears:
Rose & Thorne Betty Boobs Snake Print Shorty (26) from Autograph (currently on sale and THE BEST underwear I’ve ever worn!)
Lace Top Thigh High Stay Up Stockings (4X) c/- Donatella’s
Photos by Doug Peters / Ambient Light Photography, shot in Chateau Tongaririo Hotel.
Just seeing this, but wanted to say how nice it is to see a body that looks like mine. you are beautiful! xo pia
Thanks Pia xo
Beautiful pictures Meagan. You’re a stunner!
I follow your blog Meagan. I really admire you. You look very lovely. This photos are wonderful, do you have more like this?
Hands down your best post Meagen. I still remember it vividly. I became your fan after this!
Thanks Nishu! I really enjoyed shooting this x
‘Love the vessel that carries you, in all its forms’ – I love that! Brilliant.
Thanks lovely (and thanks for sharing this with your readers!) xo
So Sweet
I Love You keep up the great work lady
I’m absolutely loving your boudoir photos! You’re looking so beautiful!
I’ve been struggling to find the right words. How to say … omg I am just so thankful you posted this. We have practically the same body shape (only difference is I’m 159 cms tall!) and something clicked. You look amazing, ergo I must not look as scary as I think I do.
so, simply, Than you.
I’m so glad to hear that Penelope! I’m 167cm tall, so not that much taller than you! xo
This is one helluva way to set the bar for 2015!!
It can only get better from here on in! 😉
Meagan,
I don’t even know if I have the words to accurately say how I feel or what I am thinking. I’m just in awe.
With your first shot, I’ll be honest, I thought to myself “How does someone have such confidence to be able to do this?” By the second picture, I was already convinced: “Oh my word. This lady is sexy! She has got her groove on!”
You, my dear, are radiant. And it goes beyond size or shape…it’s all of you. Every bit of you says, “You know I love this…and you will too.”
Thanks for being a champion for us women who hide behind clothing or hats or our front doors out of fear of rejection. You give us so much encouragement!
Thanks Jen, I had so much fun doing this shoot! This is far from my first nude/lingerie shoot and the key is to work with a photographer you trust, in a setting you feel comfortable xo
Thank you for the mention in your powerful post Meagan! Here’s to an amazing 2015 for all of us, a diverse, rich, fulfilling year.
Beautiful! I stumbled across your blog in my quest to find self confidence to improve my relationship with myself and my new boyfriend. Thankyou!!
Thank you Catie xo
How did I miss this most amazing post ever! You are one amazing woman
Aw gee, thanks Anita! xo
Oh My !! So Inspiring !! Thank You for sharing this … I Love You already … God bless You always ..
Thanks Sheena xo
♥♥Just beautiful♥♥…brought tears to my eyes. Keep being you, I think you rock. And Im going to check out those knickers from Autograph too
Thanks Givona! Autograph has a great sale on at the moment 😉
Gorgeous lovely lady!! I had lingerie photos taken on my wedding day 14 months after my daughter was born it’s a freeing experience every women should do at least once!
Thanks Robin – and good on you! I have shot (and exhibited) quite a few nude and lingerie shoots, and I always feel so liberated! Definitely something I’d recommend for everyone!
“OMG WHEN DID I CUT MY HAIR!!??? .. and when was I in such a swanky room? .. hang on, I dont own those undies .. oooohh, thats not me, thats Meagan”. Hello body-double 🙂
Haha love it! You totally should get undies like this, they’re so freaking comfortable #twinning
Your point is well taken. You are your body, without it you couldn’t live. (of course, you just stated it far better.) Happy and healthy Holidays to you!! Thanks for speaking out.
Happy holidays to you too Debra! xo
This is just so beautiful. I’m just in awe of your images and your words are so true! The diversity is out there and the more we’re at it, the more will find the bloggers that appeal to them and hopefully find acceptance and love for themselves.
Thank you so much for including me in such an impressive list. I am beyond honoured. I’m such a huge fan of yours.
So much love for the holidays and the new year to come!!
❤️❤️❤️
Margot
Thank you honey, I’m so proud to have such wonderful colleagues in blogging as you xo
I am/have been morbidly overweight for so many years. Batteling on a daily basis with depression and self worth. Then by chance i see your post…Thank you for your uplifting words and beautiful pictures! You are amazing! And i want to thank you for sharing your sunshine to those of us who don’t see it in ourselves.
I’m so glad I could share my sunshine with you Carolynn! I hope it brightens your days until you find your own sources of light within xo
Ataahua wahine! Thank you so much for writing these blogs and giving me confidence to dress and be however I feel 🙂
Merry Christmas xoxo
Thanks Jaz, Merry Christmas lovely xo
Beautiful! Thanks for posting!!!!
Thanks Beverly xo
Absolutely bloody beautiful! Have a fabulous Christmas. xx
Thanks Leah, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! xo
Oh Meagan, how beautiful! And how right on! You are so 100% right, blogging IS where body diversity is flourishing. What a beautiful combination of photographic beauty and poignancy.
With our quiet voices, we can be heard far and wide xo
Meagan this is beautiful. You are beautiful and I celebrate your body, just as I will learn to celebrate mine. You brought tears to my eyes as I read you encouraging us to live our lives no matter what shape, weight or stage we are at. Have a Merry Christmas and rock that bikini!
Thanks Charlotte, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! xo
Merry Christmas. You’re beautiful. 🙂
Thanks Chel, I hope you have a great Christmas xo
Have a merry Christmas Meagan. I love that you’re keepin’ it real x
Thanks Linda, Merry Christmas to you too xo