The idea for my insecurity project stemmed from my realization that most people have something they are insecure about, and that attention being drawn to a personal insecurity for fear of being judged is nothing more than a thought that is hyped up by anxiety. These insecurities can have a large impact on self-esteem and confidence.

I asked my friends to open up to me about what they were most insecure about and happened to find the courage to do so myself. I found that through photography I could capture and highlight these anxieties by pushing comfort levels. I hoped to (1) boost their own confidence and (2) comfort others who may feel the same way.

I have had trouble throughout my teenage years and into my young adult life with self-esteem, spending nights staring at myself until I’m at the brink of tears and want to smash the mirror. Though the project has been slow to get rolling, I hope to inspire at least a couple souls to begin their journey towards self-love and care.

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Emily was self-conscious of her teeth and had trouble smiling. If she found herself smiling with her teeth, she felt that people were just looking at her teeth. She has since found confidence and smiles without any self-doubt.

 

 

“You need to put meat on your bones” was all Chelsea ever heard. She thought she was too skinny to be pretty and no matter how much she ate, the weight wouldn’t stay on.

“Many times I’ve looked back on those pictures when I’m self-doubting and they give me encouragement that everyone is different. Accept and embrace how you’re made,” Chelsea said.

 

Danae has felt insecure about her stomach and loose skin since she has lost weight. By allowing herself to open up for this project she has been able to focus on the beauty in her flaws and focus on the positives.

 

Once you see something, you can’t un-see it. That is how Giana felt after noticing her chest is uneven. It has been something that is tough to talk about, especially publicly through this project. Despite that, it has been an empowering journey, primarily in supporting and consolidating women in similar situations.

It takes a lot of courage to allow yourself to drop your guard and expose what you normally would try to cover up at all costs. There is no perfect human being and everyone is unique to themselves and that is what makes you beautiful. What I am hoping to walk away with from this project is confidence, self-acceptance, and self-love. Forget beauty standards and embrace what you’ve been graced with.

 

Giana Murphy
The photographer & subject

 

Giana’s photography project serves as a reminder to everyone that they are not alone in their struggle with self-esteem and self-image, and her work on our site is such a privilege. You can follow her on Instagram. Give some love to Giana in the comments!

Always remember you are not alone.

You are loved.

Sandra

Want to submit to this site and share your story, art, or article related to mental health? Email wemustbebroken@gmail.com

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