More Self-love

It’s taken me a long time to get to the positive place I currently am with my body. It hasn’t been easy; I have to work at it every day, actively replacing the negative self-talk with more self-love. I truly do think my body is beautiful, and I genuinely love it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t waver or have my share of bad days.

These photos were actually taken back in November after brunch with some girlfriends. I distinctly remember feeling great and confident in this outfit. I was so happy, which I think is pretty evident from the look on my face. Yet, when I saw these pictures after taking them, all I could focus on was my stomach in this dress. I disliked how I looked and was hesitant to post them. Eventually, I forgot all about them.

I’m a firm believer in accepting and loving your body in every stage through life. So when I recently came across these pictures, my heart hurt a little bit for that Ashley back in November. I was sad that she felt like she couldn’t share a moment because of how she negatively viewed her body. Looking at these now, I see past my stomach and insecurities. I just see a confident, happy woman.

Sure, I have a stomach “pooch”, cellulite, stretch marks, and rolls when I sit. Who doesn’t? It doesn’t mean we are any less deserving of self-love. As long as you feel good, confident, and are healthy, nothing else should matter. Of course it’s okay to have goals and work towards them, as long as they’re for the right reasons. Through my fitness journey these past few years, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: The more I embrace and accept the curves, my stomach, or whatever other parts I’m self conscious of, the more I actually start believing how beautiful my body truly is.

So, here I am, writing this post to redeem myself from this past November. I’m showing myself some much needed love and just relishing in the beauty that is my body. For those who are reading this, please do me this favor: The next time you think of beautiful things, don’t forget to count yourself in.

xo,
Ashley