What I love about myself: I love my passion, my poise, and my creativity. I love the fact that I am not willing to compromise who I am to fit into anyone’s box. I love being me! I know that I am unique. I know that I am special; I also know that when I look at myself in the mirror I am pleased by the woman I see looking back.
My biggest challenge in accepting my body and beauty: My biggest challenge in accepting my body and beauty was learning to do just that. I have learned that you cannot expect other to validate who you are without you first accepting who you are. Growing up I was teased about my size and often felt self conscious about the way I looked, but as I have matured over the years, I no longer let others tell me how to feel. If I don’t like how I am feeling or looking at a particular point in my life, I know I have the control to make change — I make adjustments on my terms. I understand now that my size has as much to do with what I feed myself mentally as well as physically.
My biggest support in learning to appreciate myself: My biggest support has been my friends and my family. I will selfishly say that I have the best girlfriends in the world. These women are fierce in their own right and continue to serve as daily inspirations of self love. I know that I would not be where I am today, without the support and love of friends who not only celebrate my successes with me, but also challenge me when I am not doing what I need to do.
Beauty is: the essence of every woman — the sun smiling back at you on a windy fall day!
Why I am strong: I am strong because I have lived, I have lost, and I have conquered
Why I am beautiful: I am beautiful because I feel beautiful!
What women must know: Every woman must learn to love herself both inside and out! Don’t wait for others to validate your existence! You must know and believe that every ounce of you matters
I think Lorraine is right on point! You are beautiful!