Iskra Lawrence posts inspirational 10-year transformation photo to promote body positivity

‘The best thing I ever did was focus on looking after myself’

A model has shared an inspirational 10-year transformation photo on Instagram to highlight the importance of looking after yourself from the inside out.

Iskra Lawrence is a 27-year-old model who believes very strongly in the beauty of all shapes and sizes.

Lawrence struggled with body insecurities growing up, following restrictive diets when she was a young teenager in an effort to try to reduce her natural curves.

Since struggling with eating disorders as a teenager, Lawrence has embarked on a journey of self-care and self-acceptance and is now helping others to do the same.

Yesterday, Lawrence shared a post on Instagram that showed two photos of her alongside one another.

The first was taken 10 years ago, while the second was taken only a month ago.

“I remember being proud of how skinny I look during this shoot,” Lawrence recalled in the caption.

“I used to seek approval from the fashion industry and tried to be ‘perfect’.

“I thought if I looked like ‘her’ (an unrealistic beauty ideal), I’d be happy, successful and loved.”

Lawrence explained how going down that path led her to failure and feelings of emptiness and unhappiness.

However, after years of focussing on her need for approval from others, she decided to embark on a journey of self-care, a message which she feels very strongly about promoting.

“I share my experiences with you all because if you are feeling like I did there is another way and those recovering from EDs [eating disorders] you’re not alone,” she wrote.

“The best thing I ever did was focus on looking after myself and being the best me I could be.”

Lawrence has now created everyBODYwithiskra, an online health, lifestyle and fitness platform, to help others find health and happiness.

everyBODYwithiskra

The model knows that, just like everyone else, she's not perfect.

However, she wants to provide others with the support that she never had growing up.

“I don’t have all the answers and I’m not ever trying to change anyone or tell people to do this and that etc,” she wrote.

“But I felt the need to create this as I wish I could have had this when I was struggling and if I’m able to use that to help even one person even better.”

With almost four million followers on Instagram, a number of people felt inspired by Lawrence’s message of body positivity and acceptance.

“You are amazing. I know you don’t know me but I have also suffered from an ED and now just got out of it,” one user wrote.

“And you’re absolutely right, happiness comes with real joy for who you are, acceptance of the true you and to blossom by this.”