The oh so wonderful Suger recently released her “Confident you body confidence photo challenge“. Phew, that’s a bit of a mouth full. She asked me to share my thoughts on body confidence and I jumped at the chance. I also decided to try and give the challenge a go. I usually suck at keeping up with them, but with this being 14 days instead of a whole month, I decided to give the whole thing a go. I’ve been sharing it on my instagram, but decided that I would compile them all into weekly round up posts.

1. What body confidence means to you.

2. You / Selfie.

(picture in header) I took this picture this morning whilst getting ready. A bit of a prequel pic to my previous outfit pic. This is me. Chubby belly, stretch marks, thick thighs. But still super cute!

3. Grateful.

I am grateful for my friends, family & most of all, my kitty cats. I know I talk about wanting a dog so much, but I am thankful that at least I have these dudes keeping me company. Tonka is my baby who is always beside me (or honestly laying ON me). Louis is my little spud who never fails to make my laugh.

4. Share the love.

I want to give a shout out to the amazing Meli of @baccurelli. This is one lady who inspires me so much. She’s a beautiful loving soul, a fierce Mother and so so talented. Her and her husband do so much work for their brand and it shows. Their designs are amazing and I’ve loved slowly learning more about her, her life and her business. She isnt a girlboss, she’s a ladyboss. (Visit their store HERE)

5. I have embraced.

I guess that is my body. I still have little hang ups (my arms) and days where I can’t find anything to wear, but most of the time I rock my body! I show off my vbo, I #rockthecrop and wear what I want. I don’t let my fat stop me from experimenting with fashion.

6. Share your Why.

Why? Because I had to be. I’ve been fat from a young age, I was sick & ended up on steroids. This means I spent most of my youth being teased. Kids can be meanest of all. High school wasn’t much better, but it was more behind your back than face on. I learnt to be #bodypositive because I figured I deserved to be treated like everyone else, and most of them loved themselves, why could I? I learnt to love myself because I was already suicidal & if I didn’t learn to appreciate my body for what it did, then why should I bother? And i’m glad I did, I’m glad I learnt and that hopefully that has helped others.

7. Love your flaws/ Body Shaming.

This picture is for ANYONE that body shames. Don’t do it. Ive been pretty lucky with sharing so much of my life on the internet that I haven’t been shamed too much. I’m also lucky that years of being teased gave me thick skin and therapy gave me coping mechanisms. I’ve been shamed for my weight, my belly, my arms, my triple chin, my hair, my piercings and more. But I’m not ashamed. I have flaws, some that yeah, I’d change if I could (my teeth) but all in all those flaws make me. And I’m okay with that.