caption:

I never liked my body growing up. I always compared myself to other girls in my class and to my older sister. In my community, women’s bodies were always policed- we were told to cover up and never attract any kind of attention to ourselves. This produced a lot of shame around my body and what I looked like. In 2020, after 23 years of living, I am finally learning to love my body just as it is. Wonderfully made and designed for me to enjoy the world around me. I’m thankful for my thick thighs- they help me climb mountains and swim in lakes. Every inch of my body is gorgeous just as it is- even those tummy rolls! I’m done trying to bend and squeeze and shrink to please other people. It’s so freeing to love myself and celebrate my body for all it does.

location

MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Bruce County Road 33, Port Elgin, ON, Canada

subject

@jessbann_

photographer

No Photographer Provided

What does it feel like to #getyourassintonature?

It feels so freeing!

What is your favorite part about #getyourassintonature?

It’s risky and I don’t take a lot of risks in my life!

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure means trying new things- taking a new path and seeing where it goes.

How do you exhibit courage when you #getyourassintonature?

I exhibit courage by standing tall and proud.