Let’s Get Personal

Today it was on my heart to talk about body image. This is a topic I’ve struggled with ever since I could remember, I know since high school. When you’re a part of a dance team you have to conform to certain standards. You have to look cute in those nice little dance uniforms. That was my first introduction of what body image was and how critical people were. In college, I had some of my worst experiences. You could say one thing to me about my body and it would ruin my entire day. As captain of the Prancing J-Settes, I gained weight the summer leading into my senior year and I’ll admit, it wasn’t very flattering. That was the first time I had ever gained weight so I wasn’t aware of how it would look on me. Well it didn’t look good and you better not think for one second the people didn’t let me know it. I mean I heard the whispers, I saw the comments on You Tube. It was very hurtful. I would go to the track before the girls made it and I’d run. I made a phone call to an old J-Sette friend and mentor and she helped me through that tough time. I learned a lot about myself during that time. I learned that I had to channel my energy into the sport and not feed into the negativity. So I worked extra hard and danced the best I could to shake off my frustrations.

It wasn’t until I turned 30 years old that I realized I had to simply accept myself just the way I was. Yes…it took 30 years! Unbelievable, right! I had to decide to love myself, flaws and all. I also had to change my thought process. My flaws were really what made me perfect! I was searching for perfection because that’s what the world wanted but really I just needed my own love and the world’s thoughts and feelings of me wouldn’t hurt as much. I was my worst critic. I was a hater…to myself! That was self –sabotage and it had to stop!

There are so many things I did not do in life due to fear of people not accepting me physically and worst of all me not accepting myself! I held myself back all those years from so many opportunities. And one thing we don’t get back is time. So to whoever is reading this, love yourself and don’t be so critical of yourself. You can listen to people’s opinions of you if you want to but don’t let it get the best of you. Don’t let it keep you down. Have your time to deal with your issues and get over it and keep living! Life is too short and there are honestly way more things to worry about than body image. We are all beautiful no matter what we look like. Looks fade so just be sure you're beautiful on the inside!!

#bodyimage #selflove #confidence