Teresa Abulafia-Silver
Disabled Veteran (PTSD, Agoraphobia, OCD, Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) Artist
How can you feel your beauty if you’ve never seen yourself? My traumas as a Disabled Veteran with PTSD, Agoraphobia, OCD, Anxiety and Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome have made me feel ugly, worthless, and broken. I never actually agreed with anyone that said I was beautiful…until The Bold Beauty Project. Thousands and thousands of people were in Times Square during my photo shoot…talk
about stressful! The Bold Beauty Project was an experience that challenged my self-perception in a big way.
Despite an overwhelming desire to run away to safety, I stood perfectly still amongst the onlookers during my photo session in Times Square, the “Crossroads of the World.” The knockout boots were provided by my amazing photographer, Kelly, and the scarf was provided by my producer, Patrice. They truly made me feel like a SHERO. I actually felt a little bump in confidence during the experience At this time last year, I was struggling with my trauma therapist to go outside for a mere twenty minutes twice a week…and I almost never made it. Today, I’m proud to say that I am able to accomplish such a task. It certainly is not easy, but I am slowly making progress!
To Colleen, Daniel, Carolyn, my fearless therapists, and my husband, Mark, thank you all for helping to make me the new woman I’m becoming. I especially want to thank The Bold Beauty Project for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
