Welcome to the third installation of the Body Love Now photo project that I have been working on in partnership with the Love Your Body Summit that will take place February 6th 2016 in Port Moody.
For this installation we are excited to introduce you to Selina Robinson.
Selina has lived in Coquitlam with her husband Dan and their two children since 1994. She was elected to the BC Legislature in 2013 and currently serves as the Opposition Critic for Local Government and Sport and Seniors.
Prior to being elected MLA, Selina was elected twice to serve on Coquitlam Council, first in 2008 and again in 2011.
Prior to life in politics Selina worked for SHARE Family and Community Services as the Director of Development. She has a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and has spent most of her professional life working with individuals, families and communities in the non-profit sector.
Outside of her political activities, Selina works with various community groups to plan and organize different community events such as the Tri-Cities Oscar Night, and the Coquitlam Terry Fox Run. When she is not working or volunteering, she enjoys running or riding her bike in training for the annual Ride to Conquer Cancer.
For her Body Love Now photoshoot, Selina invited me over to her home to show me her passion: biking! Before we launched into talking about biking wardrobe Selina and I chatted about her experience with Cancer and how that led her to biking, which was very powerful. She also had a strong lover for music with the Great Big Sea being her favourite band, which was also connected to her experience though Cancer. I then had a tour all all her favourite clothing items she likes to wear, and well the shirts have pockets so what’s not to like! I got to see her beloved bikes fun helmut and hear some pretty amazing stories!
Selina, thank you so much for opening your home and sharing your stories with me and the Body Love Now project. It was such a joy and we wish you luck in your next race!
Below is what she had to say about the words she choose to describe how she wants to feel in her body.
What challenges have you faced in your relationship with your body?
My biggest challenge in my relationship with my body was betrayal – always took care of my body, never smoked, ate well, exercised only to be diagnosed with cancer at 42 – when I was at my height of fitness, running marathons and even did an ultra marathon in the months before diagnosis – my body betrayed me by developing cancer.
How has your relationship with your body changed because of those challenges?
I take nothing for granted – still keep fit and eat healthy, but also recognize that you can’t control everything.
What words did you choose to describe how you want to feel in your body, and why did you choose them?
Wheeeeee and Power – my body has the capacity to make me feel good and have fun …. My body feels powerful when I move it.
What advice would you give to your younger self about body image?
Take nothing for granted and recognize that you can’t control everything
