Self Restraint/Freedom

It’s amazing how many things we can do when we let yourselves to.This project was born in an attempt to show how vibrant life can be when we give ourselves permission to do the things we have always wanted to. Sometimes it is as simple as replacing the “I can’t” with “I can give it a try” and the “Why?” with “Why not?” Other times it requires us to slowly assert our new vision of ourselves over time with gentle reminders like “I am beautiful,” “I am worth it,” “It’s ok if I fail,” and “I can.” The transformation that takes places when we give ourselves the freedom to be who we are and do the things that we love is like a rebirth and puts us on the exciting journey of self-discovery.

See the project on the blog here: https://slavabowmanphotography.wordpress.com/2015/11/24/self-restraintfreedom/

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection” – Buddha
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.”
- Anais Nin
“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The only person standing in your way is you”
- Black Swan
“Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.”
– André Gide
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
“When presented with this collaboration, I couldn't refuse the opportunity to explore these emotions and create a visual series with a truly talented photographer and dear friend. Many of us find ourselves struggling with the same recurring negative thoughts or the ever so common "I'll be happy when..." statement. It's easier than ever to spiral down this pattern with constant external pressures, social networking and media. When we are actually able to visualize the impact of our own self-restrictions it has a deeper influence on the mind. We all deserve happiness from the inside - out, by taking time to enjoy the things we love and being kind to ourselves along the way. Over this past year such has been my personal journey - freeing myself of self-doubt, criticism and blame, I’ve started to explore the true beauty of life and happiness.”

Michelle Bastet
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