LOVE YOURSELF: Brooke Nichol
Brooke is the epitome of beautiful on the inside and out. I met Brooke a few years ago when my dear friend brought me along to her botox appointment at Saving Face. I had previously tried botox with a dermatologist and wasn’t happy. I swear it took me 3 years to even get my mind wrapped around the idea of botox and then I was disappointed with the results. So I wasn’t convinced 100% that botox was for me until I met Brooke. Initially I explained to Brooke the internal turmoil I had in deciding to do botox. Brooke looked at me and said, “Don’t worry honey, I will make sure the outside matches you on the inside.” She really made me feel like she heard me and that she didn’t want to turn me into a “Real Housewives of Austin”.
In fact, we continue to chat about this topic many times during our appointments. I also have this discussion with my girlfriends often and especially the ones that haven’t tried botox. It can feel like we aren’t being authentic, but Brooke has a beautiful perspective that she wrote about in this blog: https://bit.ly/2UsTZyU
Since that initial meeting, Brooke has continued to be the same genuine person that I adore. And once you read her answers below, I’m sure you will love Brooke just as much as I do.
1. What does LOVEyourself mean to you?
So many things….Having the confidence that you are enough; Taking time to invest in yourself, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Speaking your truth, lovingly, in all situations. Not settling in life and relationships.
2. Did you have a someone that exuded a positive body image for you growing up? A family member, friend, mentor, etc.
My dad was a collegiate athlete and my mom was the beautiful cheerleader who never, “let herself go”. So they were both great role models for me and set a positive body image early.
I was always an athlete growing up and staying active, I never put much awareness on my body image. I am blessed that I didn’t have a parent who shamed me or programed any negativity around body image. I can see in my adult life how damaging that can be if you were someone who fell victim to that as a child. Going back and working on your subconscious/inner child has proven to be quite beneficial to overcome negative body image. www.AnitaCoaching.com is a great resource here in Austin.
3. Do you tear your body apart vocally?
Your word is your wand…says Florence Scovel Shinn and I am grateful that my inner dialogue is mostly positive around my image. However, there are times (Nordstrom’s dressing rooms) where I can beat myself up over the cellulite or shadows that my shows around my thighs/booty. When are they going to fix that?! :)
4. Are you working to improve your mindset around body image or is it a neutral mindset for you?
I am always working on my mindset and helping those I work with work on theirs. I am aware of damage and trauma Body Dysmorphic Disorder can have on someone. My aim is to lift someone’s self-esteem and encourage them to know how beautiful they are so that they are aware, if only for the meantime, that they are enough.
5. Do you have anyone that you are trying to set a healthy example for?
My children, my team and all of our clients at Saving Face.
With LOVE and Grace,
Elizabeth