This week REAL has been working with the Frankston Youth Community Arts Centre and Hipcat Circus to deliver multiple workshops that focus on the way we see and feel about ourselves.

The circus section was unbeliveble and I loved learning all the tricks that these guys + gal make look super easy (they are not so easy for the un-coordinated beings such as myself) Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/hipcatcircus

REAL simply spoke at the end of each workshop, about life, body image and how the way we feel about oursleves can impact on the choices we make in life and the extent to which we respect and take care of oursleves. 

Jean came across a young lady called Lisa Preece that continues to amaze us with both her photography and writing. I thought to finish the week on a fabulous note I would share this poem with you, written by Lisa. I think it helps to sum up everything that I wished to convey to the boys and girls that I spoke to this week.

The photo above is Lisa's own and you can check out her work @ http://lisabellaphoto.com/

I Wouldn’t Change a Thing.

By Lisa Preece.  

My name is Lisa.
I’m 21 years old.
From Ontario Canada, born and raised.
Photography is my passion.
I am completely self-taught.
I have been doing photography since April of 2007.
I know I still have a lot to learn, and I’m willing to do so.
I shoot with a Nikon D80 w/ 18-135mm lens
I am a small city girl.
But I have a big heart.
I don’t judge people.
I like who I am.
I won’t change for anybody unless it was to save my life.

I will be there for anybody who needs help.
I treat others the way I would like to be treated.
No, I’m not popular.
But I don’t want to be like them,
I like the way I am.

I don’t have a lot of friends.
But I have ones that care.
I would die for them,
I may not be the prettiest girl.
But I feel good.
And that makes me beautiful

I’m still young.
But I can think for myself.
I may be a dreamer.
But I dream big.
I’ve fallen in love.
I don’t care if you don’t believe it.

You will never stop me.
I see the world in a different light.
On a different angle.
I say what I feel.
Shyness is extinct to me now.
I believe life is too short to worry,
To wait,
To cry,
To blame,
To hurt.
This is who I am.

I am unlike anyone else,
this is me,
And I wouldn’t change a thing.