unashamed

we're gettin' real again

I have been so hesitant to post these photos because the world tells you to hide away. This is not professional, not a big enough transformation, or it's just too cheeky. Whatever society may say, I want to start to make movements beyond that.

Why should we be ashamed to better ourselves?

Whenever you try to better yourself in some way, there will always be people to pull you down. People will tell you it’s vain to better yourself. I’m here to tell you it’s not. Bettering yourself means improving your self-confidence. When I am confident, I interact better with the world. I am kinder to myself and to others. I act without hesitation and I love more wholeheartedly-- there are endless benefits to self-confidence. So, while taking that HOT AF selfie may feel vain, there is a list of reasons why I say DO IT. Post that pic you feel pretty in. Go to the gym even when you have something else to do. It’s okay to put yourself and your goals first.

Here’s the deal:

I spent my entire childhood and youth being told to eat a sandwich. I have made steps to grow my mind and body, and I am doing it for no one but me. As a stick, they tell me to eat a sandwich, when I grow they'll tell me to be careful-- your quads are getting too big. “Don’t get obsessed,” they say. There is no pleasing everyone, so why keep trying? Someone will always have a complaint about your body, so ultimately, you need to do what makes you feel BEAUTIFUL.

DO IT.

I’m here to tell you that if you are taking steps to better yourself, DO NOT let anyone stop you or tear you down.

If you workout because of aesthetic purposes GOOD FOR YOU.

If you gym for strength GOOD FOR YOU.

If you gym for stress relief GOOD FOR YOU.

Don’t let anyone tell you your reasons aren’t good enough or are too vain. If you are taking steps to better yourself, I couldn’t care less why.

My Journey:

I grew up being told I was fragile and sickly looking. I always wanted to gain weight, but didn’t know how. Just after this first photo (below) was taken, I decided to start making a consistent effort to educate myself and pursue strength training. I’ve seen massive growth in my physical body, mental health, and self confidence. It’s been a road of ups and down, but I love feeling strong and confident and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Maybe there’s a little progress here, or maybe my bathing suits just got cheekier, but what I really see is the difference between feeling fragile and small to feeling strong and confident.

If people call me weak now, I laugh. Because although I still may be thin, I know who I am, and I know my strength.

It’s the best transformation I could ever ask for-- and I hope you can experience it too.