I just love her so much. 

Body Image. This teenage struggle has almost become cliché because it is so incredibly prevalent in our society today. So many of us are struggling. Between the chaos of the media’s projections on us, and our own distorted projections, it sometimes feels like there is barely an opportunity to have an accurate and healthy sense-of-self.

As someone who’s greatest struggle was always my weight, I am very proud to say that I have conquered about 95% of my own body image issues. Those who know me well know how much satisfaction it brings me to live a healthy lifestyle, and to help and inspire others who’s struggle is so close to my own. I have wanted to start a body image campaign for a while, but it’s a pretty big endeavor, so in the meantime I will leave those of you seeking advice with this:

Part of my self-image “journey” was a physical transformation—2 years ago I lost about 45 lbs., but most of it was a purely psychological transformation. I have since gained back some of that weight from my original weight loss, but my happiness remains, and that is proof. It’s really not all about the physical appearance. It’s all in our heads.

Guys, we really need to stop thinking in terms of “I’ll be happy when..”

“I’ll be happy when … I lose 20 lbs.”

“I’ll be happy when … guys find me attractive.”

“I’ll be happy when … I look good in this bikini.”

NO. It’s so self-destructive and counter-productive to think like that. The thing that I’ve learned, above all, is that “I’ll be happy when… I allow myself to be.”

The day you find yourself attractive is the day that the boys will flock and the bikini will look good. It’s not about what anyone thinks but you. Whether you need to lose weight or not, get out of your own way and LOVE YOURSELF!

That’s how it happened for me. :)

5:41 AM. Help.

Couldn’t swallow right now if my life depended on it, but boy am I glad to be alive!!! :)