As a person who enjoys my body, is happy in it and enjoys its nudity, when a friend suggested I take part in a naked photo shoot I thought. ‘No sweat’.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the shoot, I didn’t feel self conscious one little bit. Then when the pictures came through it hit me. I was seeing my body for the first time. Seeing how life has changed it; four births, stressful life situations, grief, emotions left unspoken, and the joy and pleasure I’ve received through my body too. What shook me most was the disparity between how I feel inside, and how I look outside. I feel youthful and excited by life inside, but I’m not sure my body tells that story.

I’m glad I’ve got the inside story, and seeing myself vulnerable and undressed has made me determined to live the life of my dreams full of love. That life starts with loving myself as I am, fully and in acceptance and living healthily.