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Bella Huddart, 52
I always felt very large for my age: by the time I was twelve I was already nearly six feet tall. And I was quite self-conscious about it. But having the first of my six kids at 22 and my body being pregnant and going through the cycle of giving birth was hugely important – it made me less self-conscious. I think that marrying very young, and having all those children was a huge security for me.
Now my eldest is 29 and my youngest is 14. They’re now friends of mine as well as my children, and they have helped me to accept the way I see people. You realise beauty is so much within each person. I’ve got three daughters and they are all beautiful but all entirely different – it’s so complex and personal. I’ve also learned that it’s all about keeping in touch with reality. I think that’s a hugely beautiful thing – when you can talk to somebody and know that they’re not faking you.
I really beat myself up about things when I was younger. When I look at myself now, I feel that I see somebody confident in herself; I stand up straight. Why beat yourself up and punish yourself? Beauty can be anything.
