G R O W I N G U P I was bullied early on due to my appearance. Being “curvier” or “heavier” was never seen as a good thing in society or by my peer group. I definitely felt those feelings and views in Middle School, especially during our annual fitness tests in gym class. I was the only curvier girl to actually show up to those tests because even if I couldn’t do a 100 sit-ups or run a mile in 6 minutes, I still wanted to try. Still the negativity from society and my peers seeped into my own thoughts & views. I hated my body. I hated it so much and I never thought I’d be the kind of perfect the world wanted to see in women.
When I was in college I worked on gaining back my body and self-love. But if I’m being honest, it wasn’t until a few years ago when I went to a new city all on my own that I gained the healing and confidence to start loving myself and my body. I was 25 years old when I finally started taking myself back from society’s hands & I’ve been moving forward ever since.
Yes there are days where I fall into old habits. Those negative thoughts are really hard to shake when they’ve been with you and ingrained in you for so many years. But unlink in the past, I’ve learned to shake out of it quicker. I’ll chat with good friends, listen to music or an inspiring podcast, curl up with a good book, look-up amazing, body-positive women on instagram, go outside & digitally disconnect, or my favorite go-to: I’ll journal. All of these self-care practices have really helped me stay positive, heal and continue to grow.
Self-love is a constant journey. No one has 365 days of 100%, so don’t ever feel like you need to either. Give yourself grace. Remember how amazing you are, what you’ve accomplished so far & that you are 100% worthy of love always–including self-love.
xx
Nicole Lynn
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