I hit a wall of trying to understand what it was in me that was trying to hit some invisible finish line of enough. I recognized despite everything I had achieved, everything I had done for others, my family, I was only driving myself deeper into a hole. I was far from emotionally free or comfortable. I'd look in the mirror, at photos and feel so deeply disappointed, disconnected from that woman. I knew I needed to investigate the invisible voices in me telling me I wasn't enough.
The 30- Day Experiment
I decided to stop, turn, and face it rather than continue to run, to age, to lose more time, and more of myself. This is where I was when I wrote my first article for The Good Trade in April, 2023. I picked up a camera and for 30 days, self-portraits became my key. Each click unlocked a layer – societal expectations, family pressures, even my own inner critic. Buried beneath them all was a code of judgment, a script dictating how we "should" be, a script we all carry.
The Power of Self-Acceptance
This realization sparked a fire. We need more examples of women embracing their natural selves, not playing a part. My self-portrait journey wasn't just about finding myself, it was about accepting who I already was. A late-in-life awakening made me realize that without self-love, doubt would always win. Acceptance became the foundation for a new way of being.
A Book & New Perspective
This journey, fueled by self-portraiture, has blossomed into something much larger. I'm currently writing a book based on the method inside NMBP, a beacon of hope for those seeking to break free from societal pressures and embrace their authentic selves. The journey that began with a simple question has evolved into a mission full of wonderful humans like you..
Thank you for being here! xoxo Lisa
PS. Watch this space for a chance to join the Golden B. Rally Team for the book launch.
New on The Goldenbrand Podcast
Tired of Feeling Like You're Failing at Self-Care? This Episode is for you. Listen in then head to this post for my exact self-portrait photography flow from NMBP, using your iPhone.
Quick Tip & a New Moodboard.
🎬Find Your Anchor Words
Tip 1: What we love leaves clues🕵🏻♀️
Open your saved Instagram posts or Pinterest boards and browse the last 40-50 photos you saved.
Tip 2: Pay attention, those are your secret desires peeking through! 🌶️
Look for recurring themes, especially those that make you think “I could never pull that off!” or “Do I dare do that?”
Tip 3: Don't be generic 🤸
Choose three words that describe what makes these photos resonate with you. Skip generic words like “confident,” “friendly,” and “joyful.” Everyone uses those and you my friend, are not them.
Pull out a thesaurus and find some gems.
👌20 alternatives for “confident” here.
👉Those three words become your Anchor Words. (also Module 3 inside NMBP Course)
Tip 4: Learn your new mantra🧘
“If it doesn't gut punch me in the soul, it doesn't get saved.”
Love it, Learn it, Live by it.
Be discerning with what you save & surround yourself with. The algo is paying attention and will serve those Anchor Word approved images up on a silver platter affirming your choices.
Next Step, put it altogether in a self portrait.
*Pictured below, my personal mood board for hands.
Currently Loving.
This article from The Atlantic linking an increase in anxiety and depression to smartphone use in girls ages 10-14.
The Golden B. Broadcast channel is live! Come see what's we're all about.
Don't know what to do with your hands in photos? Renaissance Hands.
The one year anniversary of this article in The Good Trade - so much has changed in 12 months!
Snagging key pieces from our collaboration partner's sale.
Speaking of partners, a huge congrats to Une Femme, a female-founded brand for this big news.
How to stop worrying about what “they” think and move through the fear.
Food! Ever wonder What's in a Menu?
Sports bra. (love how she fixes a stray hair at the end…)