I did something a little wild this week.

I did something a little wild this week. The kind of thing I’ve talked about other people doing, the kind of thing I’ve encouraged and cheered on, but never actually done for myself. With surgery booked (I’ll tell you more about that when the time’s right — I promise I’m okay), I found myself in that “practice what you preach, guuuurl” moment. So I went for it.

I teamed up with Em, a beautiful local photographer who’s just launched her business, and we did a lingerie photoshoot. In my back garden. No big studio. No airbrushing. Just me, some lace, and a bit of breeze. If you’re on Instagram, please go show her some love at @the_capture_co_25. She made it possible for me to do something I wasn’t sure I had the courage to do.

Honestly? I was so nervous I felt sick. But Em was calm and kind and everything I needed. Through all the awkward posing and nervous laughter, something shifted. I kept going. I stopped judging myself. I actually started having fun. When I saw the images later, I didn’t just see nerves — I saw presence. I saw someone showing up for herself.

I’ve shared a few of the images in The Pleasure Edit Lounge — our private Facebook group for ladies — along with some behind-the-scenes moments and a little laugh from a conversation Em and I had post-shoot. The photos are mostly unedited. Raw. Honest. Real. And while that still makes me slightly squirm, I’m glad I shared them.

So here’s what I want to say: if you’ve ever considered doing something like this, do it. Not when you’ve lost weight. Not when you feel “sexier.” Not for your partner. Do it for you.

When I looked at the photos, I had a whole rush of emotions. My inner critic jumped in quickly — “Your belly’s too big.” “Thunderthighs.” “Look at that cellulite.” “Your back fat is spilling out.” “Honestly, hobbits could rent a room in your butt dimples.” I laughed at the absurdity, but those thoughts still came.

But then came another voice — softer, stronger. The one I’ve spent years growing. It reminded me: That belly carried three children and made it through multiple major surgeries. Those thighs have held me up through heartbreak, healing, abuse, divorce, birth, depression, joy, and love. That cellulite? Evidence that my body adapted to life. The dimples and softness? Proof I’ve survived everything thrown at me. That back has bent under pressure and grief—but it didn’t break. I’m still here. I’m still standing. I am loved. And I am beautiful, just as I am.

Doing this photoshoot didn’t fix my insecurities. But it did give me a new way to see myself. And I’m so glad I didn’t wait until I felt “ready.” Because this body? She’s ready now. She always was.

So if this is something you’ve thought about — maybe even quietly dreamed about — consider this your sign. You don’t need to wait. You don’t need permission. You just need a few seconds of courage and someone to hold space while you show up for yourself.

This wasn’t about anyone else. It was about me, honouring this body, this moment, this life. With love, laughter, and a little lace.

Jen xx