LOVE YOURSELF: Hannah Hembree Bell

I just recently met Hannah while she was prepping for a photo shoot for new headshots and team photos with her company Hembree Bell Law Firm, PLLC A few months later we have a fall fitting session and I instantly was impressed with Hannah’s confidence in her body.  There were no negative comments about her body and lots of “this looks great on me” statements.  She just really stood out to me as someone that is juggling a MILLION balls everyday (like most of us) yet she was kind to herself while really soaking up all the goodness of this fitting session.  She was investing in herself and building herself up.

And I think it’s important to point out that during that session her youngest child (she has 4 children!!!) wasn’t even 1 years old so she still had a baby.  For all you mommas, you know how much our bodies change with pregnancy.  BUT Hannah doesn’t choose to spend her energy on talking negatively about her body (transitional or not).  She’s a true mover and shaker that has bigger fish to fry.  And since that session I’m constantly impressed by the work she is doing everyday! 

I recently had a conversation with a friend about body image because it’s constantly coming up for me or maybe it’s just that my eyes are super WIDE open to this topic.  I can’t stop noticing it popping up EVERYWHERE.  I had mentioned I feel like all I hear is negative body talk.  This friend made a really great point that it’s possible for those that have a positive body image we just don’t hear them talk about it because it’s pretty neutral for them.  As you know, I started LOVE Yourself as a way to really highlight those that are treating themselves with kindness and LOVE.  Those women that can be role models for our younger generation and to stop the culture norm that some have inherited. Hannah is one of those that I admire on this topic and I just had to share her with you all.  See below for her thoughts on body image.  She’s such a gem!!!

1.What does LOVEyourself mean to you?

LOVEyourself means creating space to treat yourself kindly, the way you would a dear friend or your daughter - to be gentle and doting on yourself.

2.Did you have a someone that exuded a positive body image for you growing up? A family member, friend, mentor, etc.

My mom never went on complaining about her body or her weight or anything like that – honestly I didn’t know that was a thing moms did until I was out of the house and gone. She was content and kind, always.

3.Do you tear your body apart vocally?

Never! This body made four babies, survived a litany of challenges, greets me every morning, and tucks me in every night. Tear down? Never.

4.Are you working to improve your mindset around body image or is it a neutral mindset for you?

I am working to find the balance between wanting to be my best self and accept myself as I am. I think it’ll remain an ongoing project.

5.Do you have anyone that you are trying to set a healthy example for?

All four of my kids along with my nieces and other women friends. I hope my comfort in my own skin encourages and empowers them to make space to LOVEthemselves too. We are worthy because we are. We are all made of stars – how could we hate on that?!