The beautiful and talented Ashley from
2 Eyes in the Mirror is hosting
Love Your Body Day- a time for bloggers to reflect on, comment and share what we love about our bodies. For me, loving my body has been a process so here's my story in a nutshell:
Junior High School was a hard time for me. I was lanky, had awkward bangs, wore thick glasses and was shy. I tried to hide behind loose clothing- mostly baggy jeans and itchy sweaters. Playing competitive soccer was my niche- my escape and my way of fitting in. I could be myself on the soccer field and loved the feeling of running and being physically active.
Fast foward to
High School. I started wearing contacts, got my hair highlighted and wore braces to fix the gaps in my teeth. I became interested in heels and clothing and loved dressing up. I was still playing soccer and exercised several times a week. I was proud of my body- I loved how I was becoming a woman with curves and a feminine silhouette.
In
University I tried to fit in by partying as hard as everyone else was when that's really not me (I'm more of a bookie, art gallery and theatre type of gal). I thought the only way to feel good about myself was by exposing myself with low cut tops, barely there skirts and wearing lots of makeup. If a man wasn't giving me attention (even if it was for the wrong reasons), then I didn't feel pretty. I stopped playing sports, didn't exercise and starting drinking. I gained a bit of weight and noticed that my metabolism wasn't as good as it used to be. I became a full-on vegetarian and became anemic because I wasn't eating properly. I was diagnosed with mild depression and was told by my Dr to exercise as it would release endorphins but I ignored her advice so it became a cycle. I was depressed so didn't exercise and by not exercising I became more depressed.
Now, at the age of 23 I've never felt so comfortable (and happy!) in my own skin. I don't need others to tell me I look good (although I certainly don't discourage it!) because I feel great and that's whats important. I joined the gym this summer and have been going to the gym at least 4 times a week since, doing step cardio, weight classes, bootcamp and (my personal favourite) Zumba. My man bought me a bike and we enjoyed many leisurely (and some not so leisurely) bike rides beside the Ottawa river. I'm hoping to become a Zumba Instructor in the next few months and I've even dabbled with the idea of taking a Fitness Course at the local College. Let's just say that I'm loving my body these days, sure there are still many things I would love to change but I feel strong, healthy and beautiful and that's what truly matters!
{Since I work for a lingerie company, part of my job is helping with photoshoots, surrounded by beautiful lingerie models. It's hard not to be self-conscious around these girls but hey it's the true test!}
|
Yeehaw! So that's how I'm loving my body today- now it's your turn! |