Do you remember when I wrote about getting naked on my 25th birthday in order to kick my body confidence issues out the door? ()

Well since then my whole life's flipped upside down. It sparked a fire in my belly. A hunger inside me. To take ownership for who I am, what I've got to give. At the end of the day, it's all me, on my own, fighting fires and rising from the flames.

Alex took my photo's that day and since then I've found a friend - a really, really good friend. She's pushed me forward in life, be-it taking kick-ass photo's for my outfit posts, road trips with sad music, watching films and eating cake or pushing me toward my next challenge - she's been a rock. She believes...in me. And I'll be forever grateful for all that she's done and continues to do. The Universe pushed us together at a time where we were both searching for something more. So thanks for that, world.

A few weekends ago, I was headed down to Cambridge to help Alex out with a shoot. She's been working on a GIANT series, which you can and I couldn't wait to get stuck in on set. Turns out her model was a no-show and Alex looked to me, with those bloody puppy dog eyes and asked if I'd do it instead.
I know I pose for my outfit photos on a weekly basis - but it's not the same as modelling. I was scared and nervous but I didn't want to ruin Alex's day, all the hard work she, her boyfriend, his friends and Claire (an incredible florist) had put in. So I said yes, reluctantly.

It was one of the most incredible afternoons - filled with sunshine and laughter, effort and sweaty bodies. It was amazing to stand back and realise how much all these people cared for Alex, how much they wanted to make it work for her. Her boyfriend Will had built her a 7ft swing, Matthew and Ed (his best friends) helped him put it up high in the trees and Claire, created an incredible floral crown and flower arrangements to climb up the swings ropes. It was totally magical.

Here are the final images...
...I know, she's a true artist.

When we'd finished Alex asked, with a muffled voice and squinting cautious eyes if I'd consider getting naked for a shot or two as well. I think I shocked her and I both by blurting out 'YES! Of course I will!'

To some, getting naked and sharing it on the internet might come across as attention seeking. For me, us, it's about showing the world that we're not afraid of our imperfections. In fact we're going to celebrate the shit out of them. I realised then, at that moment, just how far I've come since July 3rd 2014 when I got naked in-front of another woman for the first time. In the here and now, I didn't care. I felt comfortable, confident even and do you know what? There's no shame in that.
Alex is a wonderful human with an incredible power. She takes magical photographs, that inspire and provoke thoughts, conversations - what a talent to behold. But not only that, she's given women - me, Laura, all the ladies that shot with her off the back of our shoots a one way ticket to true body confidence.

Loving the skin we're in. It's a journey worth taking. A battle worth fighting.

And it's not just about the images at the end, it's about the journey you go on. And there's no photographer in this world that can take away from how special it is completing that experience with Alex.

I know so many of you out there are dabbling with the idea and aren't sure if you're brave enough. Let me tell you that you are. Because if I and all these other amazing women can, so can you.

All photographs captured by the wonderful

A few weeks ago my friend () Alex, invited me to the Peak District with a group of her friends (or to me, strangers).

My entire life I've sheltered myself, my tribe of people are small and I rarely reach out to find new members. It's become even more difficult since my anxiety kicked in, too. Not to mention that I say 'No' way more than I say 'Yes' to anything. So going away with Alex and her tribe was a pretty big deal for me. I was nervous and to be honest I wasn't really sure what I was doing. Why was I putting myself in a vulnerable position, with people I don't know?

Main point to take from above...I'd already said yes.

I sat there on the driveway waiting to be picked up and all I could think of was excuses about how I'd suddenly caught the worst flu of my life or my non-existent cat had died. I was excited to see Alex but what if her friends didn't like me? What if I stuck out like a sore thumb amongst a group of people who love each other dearly? What if?

Luckily, they're probably the nicest people I've ever met.

I spent a weekend climbing hills, playing card games, taking photographs, sleeping in bunk beds and breathing in the fresh air of reality: There is more to life.

There is more to life than settling for less. I've spent so long denying myself chances of happiness, because I'm scared I won't be good enough. Be-it meeting new people, applying for that dream job or even something seemingly trivial like how to write the perfect reply to an important email. But this weekend taught me that I am - I am good enough.

Life is about the chances that we take, the opportunities we grab, the demons we defeat.

And the people we choose to do all of the above with. There is no better medicine in life than surrounding yourself with positive people. Surround yourself with positive people, and the rest will come.

I spent a weekend with a bunch I didn't know and whilst I was there I realised, they were such wonderful humans. There really are people out there that are selfless and intelligent and driven and funny and they aren't pretentious or one bit scary. They're just living, being, existing. They made it seem easy. They brought out the best in each other, and in me. And I discovered that maybe I could do that too. Even if it did take a little while to master. I mean I got myself there and I enjoyed it, so that's one step closer - right?

And so, a whole new bunch of 'what if's' were born. What if I hadn't gone that weekend? What if I hadn't realised I was capable of so much more than I was giving myself credit for?

Because saying YES is so much more rewarding than saying NO.

And the Peak District is so desperately beautiful.