Monday, June 13, 2016

Empowering woman of the Year 2016- Iskra

According to my personal self- built database, the most empowering woman of Year 2015 goes to....
*Drum roll*

None other than- ASHLEY GRAHAM!

A photo posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on

She is the reason behind how many women suffer from low self-esteem, have reformed and learn to love themselves even more. She is a big girl. And so, big girls don't cry.

For this random blog post of mine, I have decided to choose my most favourite woman who meets the criteria like Miss Universe - Beauty with a purpose and feature her as THE EMPOWERING WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2016. According to me, of course!

The winner issssssssss
*search the entire Shirley Charlin's database*
...our beloved Miss Iskra! The photo below was what inspired me to write this blog post. 

✨ I had almost forgotten what I used to look like when I was battling with my body and my own thoughts of self loathing. One of my dearest gfs @iammelwells sent this pic to me today of us both when we were trying to break into the modelling industry. ๐Ÿ‘ญI never knew that she was struggling with the same thoughts as me and neither did she know I was. ๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍❤️‍๐Ÿ‘ฉThe two young women in this photo both thought they were fat and too big. would pick themselves apart and then workout like mad at the gym or restrict what they ate because they had body dysmorphia. Some of you may look at the old me on the left and think I was slimmer and therefore healthier. No health is NOT a size it is a state of wellbeing. I did not have healthy thoughts or love myself. It took years to get to this point and there are still days were I let the dark thoughts creep in. Only yesterday I went to try some jeans on, the server said they would definitely fit (I mean they are the biggest size a 29) I couldn't get them further than my knees. ๐Ÿ˜ชFor a split second I was about to crumble because it can be anything that triggers those demons to come back. All those years I couldn't fit into clothes or was told I was too big to ever make it as a model. But mostly the boundaries I had put on myself that my happiness would be determined by a number on the scales or that number in my jeans. Which is so F****d up because the truth is YOU get to decide your self worth no one or nothing else. You have to turn around to yourself and take control and say I am good enough, and I will be happy today and I know that I am beautiful because I am me. So please know that you are not alone, you may think you are the only one who hates what they see in the mirror but trust me a LOT of us have felt or still do feel that way. But you deserve to love yourself, it may take time but start today and never give up. ❤️ #iskralawrence #everyBODYisbeautiful thank you @iammelwells for creating your book the #TheGoddessRevolution sharing your journey and helping to heal our relationships with ourselves and food you are incredible ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฆ„✨๐Ÿ’ซ
A photo posted by ๐ŸŒ™iskra✨ (@iamiskra) on

I was surprised when I first saw this photo of hers in my Instagram feed. She was not a plus size model in the beginning. So was I! Except the fact that I am not a model to begin with. Hahaha! She is still stunning even until now.

From her very first viral photo in her nude coloured lingerie with bags of chips surrounding her,

to that featured photo. Tell me, why will there be anyone who disagrees with me that she IS the most empowering woman of 2016!

To be honest, she is also the woman who inspires me to love myself and I have been constantly eating regularly and at least go for a walk after dinner and exercise more. Although, results are not shown in my current appearance.

Nevertheless, I feel happier than ever! I begin to look at myself in the mirror more. I love to look at myself while I dress up for work. (HEY EVERYONE! I have extended my internship! I am given more opportunities and one more step towards becoming a female programmer.)

Thinking back, I wonder why do I even waste my time and energy on people's comments about my appearance when they too look like a potato. There were times I even starved myself and lie to my friends that I was saving money. How much do I want to save? I do not know. I spent money on clothes that are trending and I do not like the those trending clothes and style looks on me. I like the french girl kind of look. If I ever want to wear something exotic, that will be Japanese Lolita outfits. Conservative, lady- like and lovely.

Right now, I spend my time doing what I love, wearing what I love and feel comfortable in. And you should too!


We should not live by what people ask us to. We live for ourselves. We live, love, pray.


Quote of the post:
I'm not a model, I'm an artist. In one of my videos, I'm doing this shot of me with no make-up on where I've just woken up, and I don't think a lot of people would be comfortable enough to do that. But that's the way I look. This is who I am. Let's enjoy it. Let's just live life to the full while we're all here." -Jessie J
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/live_life.html