Self Empowerment through just existing.

For the last few years I've been exploring the concept of empowerment, so I thought what better place to learn about empowerment than Berlin. A place known for it's diversity, self expression and acceptance. Originally my views towards empowerment was it being something we found once we could be our most authentic selves in a safe environment. I began to realise it's simpler than that, you don't need to change the world around you, you just need to go into the depths of your own heart and validate your true self. During my time in Berlin I had the privilige to meet Jasmin who so beautifully gave me the opportunity to photograph herself in her home and then open up bravely about her own wrestles with mental health, feeling emotions and discovering what empowerment looks like to her. Doing so was very special and honestly brought us both to tears, I'm not sure exactly why other than in that moment two people really took the time to see a very real, intimate and raw side to each other. The true self. That I think is one of the greatest and most intimate gifts you could give anyone. So thank you Jasmin for sharing so much with myself and everyone, I genuinely have been impact by you and your story.

Caleb Westwood

"Ironically, I don't really see myself as empowered. I see myself as someone who has clung to strength through gritted teeth, because for a long time it felt like the only way to survive."

"The more dissociative episodes I went through, the more I struggled with suicidal thoughts, the more I realized that just pushing through is not the right way. Everyone has feelings. I didn't for years. In therapy I had to learn how to even notice and name them and once I did, they hit me with full force. For a while I just wanted them gone."

"What I've learned is that the only way out of feelings is through them, meeting them softly instead of running. And that's when I started to feel belonging, self worth and acceptance, not for who I am but because I am. And maybe...that's what empowerment really is feeling valuable, even if all you do is existing."

"Thank you Caleb, for letting me be in front of your lens. I don't know how you did it, but you managed to capture not only the strength I perform, but also the shyness I rarely show anyone. Maybe that's your own kind of special magic."

Jasmin Bley