Model who quit career in front of the lens to become self-love mentor shares top tips to transform your life

As a plus size model for 15 years, it seemed like a fairytale life filled with glitz, glamour, travel and experiencing new cultures.

But, inside, Gina felt trapped between wanting to feel healthy and pressure from the industry to put on weight.

The 35-year-old, from Poulton, said: “I was a plus size model for 15 years and I was involved in the body diversity movement that way.

“But it was when I quit modelling that the self love message really took off five years ago.

“I had a massive transformation from party girl, negative self talk, seeking external validation to healthy, alcohol free, positive self talk, tapped into an infinite well of self love that we all

have inside of us the whole time and self validation.”

Gina, who went to Arnold School, is now an international self-love mentor, travelling the world leading workshops, hosting retreats, coaching clients and public speaking at events such as

the Burning Man festival in the USA.

She has now penned a book called ‘PS I Love Me’ which gives 12 steps for a self love transformation.

Gina, who now lives in Canggu, Bali, said: “It’s a step by step guide with lots of funny stories and messages that go deep.

“With self love anything is possible.”

And Gina has shared her top tips for self-love especially for Gazette readers.

She added: “There are acts of self love we can do to cultivate mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

“Create space for the love to come in. For a new version of you to come in, you need to make space for her.

“Declutter your home, clear out your phone of old pictures of exes or anything you don’t use or doesn’t light you up. How great does it feel when you tidy out that loft or desk drawer? Do

that to your life.

“From the spaciousness, create time to be with your self and body. This can simply be asking the question ‘what does my body need today’ then waiting for the answer.

“Thirdly, create a movement practice that you love and crave that includes breathe, intention, sound and movement.

“This is the holy trinity of aliveness and self love.

“This could be something simple like five breaths once per day with sound and spinal movement.

“Or it could be creating a dance playlist to dance through and embody your mixed emotions. Your body and soul will thank you.

“Go on a self love journey. Can you love the parts you normally reject? This is self love.”

For more information, visit www.ginaswire.com.

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