Leah Clement’s Story
Leah was a joy to have into our studio. She has been through so much, and yet is so strong. Here is her story!
I learned that petite was best, athletic was undesirable. My big, strong legs were definitely a no. Thankfully, I later learned to appreciate my strong body, but it was too little too late.
I served in the Marines. I am strong as hell. Physically, mentally. I became emotional around 40. Before then, I didn’t try to experience my emotions, or anyone else’s.
I got very sick in my late 20s (graves disease), and it changed everything. I took my stamina, my strength, my memory, and two of my unborn children. I am okay, but the effects still linger. I am a wife and mother. I maintain a career I enjoy.
Today I feel everything deeply. I try to listen to learn. I am still tough, still strong. When my body began changing with my illness, I tried to hide it. While I’m not there totally, I’m now pretty comfortable with who I am and it is more than just this body.
An invisible illness. I learned that no one else is going to advocate for me. No one is going to research and probe. I learned that not everyone is going to believe you. I’d tell anyone else to keep pushing.
Loving myself enough to seek to a year down the voices you heard in the past about your sources of worth.
I absolutely do.
I love people well.
Listen to the people who really love you. Your soul usually cannot tell the truth from a lie, and you’ll like to yourself. Don’t listen.
Because struggling has made me stop and listen to others. I don’t hold anything in higher regard than I do people.
Because I don’t have any. And while I’m not an ideal size any longer, and my hair is mostly gray, I want to show my kids that I am lovely in all the ways exactly as I am.
Every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful.
