Portrait of a woman, Ellen for the You’re Enough campaign. Our campaign has been highlighting how all women are incredible. Amazing in their own way, even if they don’t always feel that way themselves. Ellen is the next woman we’re shining a spotlight on. She’s living proof that sometimes we have to take back our power from others who try to keep us down. It can be a fight, but it’s always worth the risk.
Even from a young age, Ellen had a better grasp of true beauty than many adults do. She believed beauty comes from within. That’s even more remarkable considering the negativity she faced as a child.
“My mother was highly abusive — mentally, emotionally, physically. That pushed me to rebel, and I wound up marrying and divorcing an abusive man. This was more detrimental to my mental and emotional well-being, not to mention very physically and sexually abusive,” she said.
Despite being out of their grip now, Ellen still deals with the fallout from that abuse.
“I have had to overcome a multitude of obstacles. But, I found myself second-guessing my decisions because of the impact of their words and actions,” she said. Adding that her abuse still causes her to feel and think she’ll fail in everything and never be “good enough.”
Despite those doubts, she continues to improve herself and her situation. And crossing the country to keep her son safe and working toward her dream job.
Every step she takes helps her feel more powerful.
“The system that is in place to keep children, specifically my son, safe failed countless times,” she said. “After having advocated for his safety and well-being, fighting against all odds without any professional legal representation, and having moved over 850 miles away from where I had an open court case for sole custody of my son to keep him safe, I was awarded sole custody.”
Ellen embraces her inner strength and knows that it can carry her through anything. She’s been tested throughout her life and has emerged better than ever.
“I have surpassed an unsurpassable number of obstacles. They have allowed me to rise above and beyond where others have struggled and fallen,” she said.
Ellen gives some great advice for other women who are going through tough times. And need some help seeing their own beauty and strength.
“Listen not to the negativity of society. Words sting but for a moment. Rise above into the beautiful soul you are and keep shining,” she said.
Women portrait sessions and photos can be one more tool that Ellen can use to help her with her growth. And to see how far she’s come. Having gorgeous images of herself is important so she can see what others see when they look at her.
This beautiful, amazing woman has been through so much but keeps reaching for the stars. What a wonderful role model to anyone who has ever faced some tough circumstances!
As our You’re Enough campaign continues, I hope it’s serving as an inspiration to you. We’re all wondrous women who are capable of anything.
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