Forms of Self-Love
Photos and Writing by Brooke Davis
Self-love and care is one of the most simple labors of love, in my opinion. Caring for yourself beyond basic needs is an option, and an option that for various reasons people carve out time for.
I decided to ask individuals what it is they take time to do regularly to engage in self-care. I asked each of these people to be photographed as well as provide a brief explanation as to why they do what they are pictured doing. I included myself in this photo essay because I wanted to encourage participants to think about the unique ways in which they spend extra time caring for themselves.
I hope that this project will serve as inpiration to viewers to reflect on your own daily routine and think about the ways you spend extra time on yourself. I also hope that viewers might be encouraged to take up some of the unique explanations and apply them to their own routines. You never know what form of self-care you might fall in love with.
Enjoy.
Constance enjoys spending time painting her nails. She says it makes her feel like she has her life together as well as improving her self-presentation. It gives her a more complete look, she says.
When Bre looks good, she feels good. Putting on makeup gives her a confidence boost to start her day.
Paige uses her facemask product regularly. She says the fresh feeling increases her confience and motivation to do the things she needs to do that day.
Katie running with her shepard, Kona on a sunny day in Pullman.
Katie has her dog, Kona for emotional support due to battles with depression and anxiety. Kona helps Katie to keep a positive lifestyle by going on daily runs, since he needs the exercise and she needs the motivation to get out on those runs, which Kona surely helps with.
Brooke longs for the sunshine and warmth. During the miserably cold months in Pullman, Washington, she takes time out of her day to visit the sauna in the Chinook on campus to soak up the heat and dream of a warmer environment.
Kyle started the keto diet recently, he says it is easy to start, but hard to maintain. He made this change to better his eating habits and prepare for his wedding this summer.
Fatou spends time in the morning, sometimes at night, applying a facemask or simply washing her face. This makes her feel clean and ready for the day, even if she doesn't initially feel that way.
Kayleena admitted that although she dislikes running, the feeling of bliss and pride that follows her run is what she needs to maintain her self-love.
Gen believes in treating her body as a temple. She says you only have one body, so you might as well be good to it.
Luijy likes to deep condition his curly hair once or twice a week to keep his hair moisturized. He says it feels good to take care for yourself even in the smallest of ways. His hair is a big part of his confidence, so the dedication to keep it nice is easy for him.