Meet Isabel –
In her own words…
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
“The most important knowledge you can obtain in life is knowledge of Self.
I have been on a journey to understand the true essence of myself over the last 4 years. I felt a stirring within me and in my gut; I knew I was on the cusp of change for my life. On the surface my life was on track, a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, my life was perfect. That was true in many aspects, however, like many other women, there was another side to my life that was buried and it was one that I would never share with others. Even more so, it was a side of me that was brewing right beneath the surface, so much so that I couldn’t fully grasp what it was. As women, we are somehow programmed to go out into the world to excel in a career, nurture our children, and oversee the running of the household – we are not really taught how to balance our lives, reach out for help, surround ourselves with a support system and we get lost, losing our identity. This neglect results in a ‘breakup’ with ourselves as we journey through life – we become actors instead of participants that are fully immersed in life.
All that had been brewing beneath the surface started to creep into my life. I would often find myself feeling unworthy, lacking self –esteem, confidence, feeling undervalued and to my surprise, I also had to confront a lot of hurt and pain from experiences as an adolescent and even as an adult. I found myself asking fundamental questions on my identity: who am I? What is my life’s purpose? Am I not good enough? What are my dreams? How do I even begin to attain those dreams? Aside from being blessed with the greatest purpose in life of being a mother, there was a nagging ache in my belly telling me that there was more to who I was and I kept pushing through to discover what it was. Discovery of self can be a painful journey that requires you to face your truth.
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
I am grateful for the process that keeps unfolding and has allowed me to live my truth. How did I do it? Prayer and journaling, I read a number of books on authors like Marianne Williamson, listening to Ted talks, Podcasts like Super Soul Sunday, practicing yoga, being still and most importantly, I made a commitment to myself that it was time for a change. Bit by bit, little by little the layers started peeling off, the deeper I went into knowing myself, the more outwardly I begin to live. I started to feel free, free to love myself more and others around me, I started to see value in myself. I trust and believe in myself and most importantly I have wrapped up all the parts of me, flaws and all, with love.
My purpose lies in my story. I believe my experiences in life have not been in vain.”
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
*** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Isabel. This year for my birthday, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 28 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!**