a message from laura

"I love every inch of me." One simple sentence that is so hard to say and believe. For years, I let others' comments crush me and ruin how I saw myself. Growing up, I was the "chunky" friend — the one who couldn't borrow clothes, the one that boys didn't look at because I was too big. When I lived overseas, people would call me "Gorda" or "Gordi," which is a term of endearment, but it means "fat woman." Yeah, no — not cute. I dealt with it by keeping those thoughts and feelings to myself, and I let it eat me alive. If you knew me back then, you had no clue what I was going through, because I never told a soul. I don't think people realize what their words can do to someone. They have no clue what the other person is dealing with — what I was dealing with because of their words. I decided to embrace everything that made me ME. "I love me." My rolls, my cellulite, my thick thighs, I LOVED IT ALL. That is the day that I really started living. It took a long time to get there — to feel beautiful and to walk proud. There is no turning back. My advice? Throw away everything that society and others have said about what you "need" to look or be like. Stop trying to mold yourself into a specific body, which is defined as the "perfect" or "ideal" body. To me, that means accepting and loving all of myself, which includes every flaw, every scar, everything that I possess. Know your worth, see the beauty we all see, and open your heart to loving yourself. Once you allow this to happen, I promise you your life will change. Your sparkle will never be dimmed again. You will humble, and you will inspire those who are in the shoes you used to stand in. We get to decide how we feel about ourselves! Whether it's National Women's Health Week or just a regular day, you need to look in the mirror and push all that hate you have for yourself away. It's harder said than done, but NEVER allow comments or feelings to blind you. Stand up for you, your mind, and your body. BE CONFIDENT!!! Confidence is not a feeling; it's a way of life. It's believing in yourself. Strutting to your own beat. Feeling unstoppable, unbreakable, and flawless. Feel it, breathe it, live it!