Iskra Lawrence’s Before And After Picture Is Seriously Inspiring

We’re all used to seeing “before and after” pics blow up on social media but this model has shared a body transformation of a different kind, and it is so dang inspiring. 

In a post on Instagram, Iskra Lawrence shared a modelling shot from 10 years ago, early on in her career, beside a snap of herself at the beach taken a few weeks ago. And it’s not just her body that’s changed, it’s her attitude towards it.

“I remember being proud of how skinny I looked during this shoot,” she wrote in the caption.

“I used to seek approval from the fashion industry and tried to be “perfect”. I thought if I looked like “her” (an unrealistic beauty ideal), I’d be happy, successful and loved. All I found was failure (because you can’t change who you are) emptiness (because my time and energy was being used up trying to achieve something completely self absorbed and shallow sacrificing doing things I loved) and unhappiness (because no restrictive diet or abusive exercise feels good).”

The 27-year-old says she’s sharing her experience to show women battling similar demons about their body image that there’s a better way to live and that those recovering from eating disorders are not alone.

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Both of these images are of me. The left is about 10years ago. And the right just under a month ago. I remember being proud of how skinny I looked during this shoot. And how now people call me fat when I’m just happy to be alive and grateful for this body I call my home. I used to seek approval from the fashion industry and tried to be “perfect”. I thought if I looked like “her” (an unrealistic beauty ideal), I’d be happy, successful and loved. All I found was failure (because you can’t change who you are) emptiness (because my time and energy was being used up trying to achieve something completely self absorbed and shallow sacrificing doing things I loved) and unhappiness (because no restrictive diet or abusive exercise feels good) I share my experiences with you all because if you are feeling like I did there is another way and those recovering from EDs you’re not alone. The best thing I ever did was focus on looking after myself and being the best me I could be. Seeing value in who I was. The impact I could have in the world and people around me. Trying to give, instead of focusing on myself, my image and needing approval from others. And accepting that I am meant to be here just like you, and we were all created to be imperfectly perfect. I started Investing time into self-care, doing things that made me happy. Listening to my body and mind and nourishing them both, without guilt. That is 10years all squished into a lil insta caption but it did take time but it was soooo damn worth it. Because of what I went through My dream has always been to get self-care (mental, emotional and physical wellness) education into schools. And I’ve started that, but I also wanted to create something for adults that still needed a safe space that’s judgement free to go on a positive journey of self love and that’s why I created @everyBODYwithiskra I don’t have all the answers and I’m not ever trying to change anyone or tell people to do this and that etc. But I felt the need to create this as I wish I could have had this when I was struggling and if I’m able to use that to help even one person even better. If you’re triggered by this post please contact @neda ❤️

A post shared by i s k r a (@iskra) on Jan 15, 2018 at 10:25am PST

“The best thing I ever did was focus on looking after myself and being the best me I could be,” she continued.

“Seeing value in who I was. The impact I could have in the world and people around me. Trying to give, instead of focusing on myself, my image and needing approval from others. And accepting that I am meant to be here just like you, and we were all created to be imperfectly perfect.”

Iskra says that this learning process took a long time but investing in self care, listening to her body and mind, and nourishing them both without guilt is what has got her there in the end. 

The body positivity champion has just launched her new wellness program, everyBODY with Iskra, in a bid to help women embrace their bodies and create their own definition of healthy and happy challenging unrealistic body standards. 

“I don’t have all the answers and I’m not ever trying to change anyone or tell people to do this and that etc. But I felt the need to create this as I wish I could have had this when I was struggling and if I’m able to use that to help even one person even better.”

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