Loving Me: How I’m Embracing My Authentic Self in a World That Makes it Hard For Us.

Embracing my beach body with confidence on the beautiful shores of Mexico.🌴🌊✨

Loving yourself as a plus-size woman in today’s world is a full-time job, especially with quick fix weight loss trends like Ozempic, unrealistic beauty and fitness standards, and brands reducing their plus-size offerings, it can feel like society is doing everything it can to make us question our worth. But here’s the thing, loving yourself is one of the most powerful things we can do as women right now, and no one can take that away from you.

One of the most disheartening challenges is the limited availability of stylish clothing in plus sizes. Many brands have scaled back their extended sizes, which has now made trying to find stylish, well-fitting options in my size feel like a scavenger hunt, and lately, many brands have stopped even trying. The saying goes, "When you look good, you feel good," and yet the fashion industry often overlooks this truth for plus-size women. Still, I've realized that self-love isn’t just about finding the perfect dress (though that would be nice). It’s about blocking out society’s noise, our own inner thoughts at times, and embracing the whole you.... the good, the bad, and even the cellulite.

Loving Yourself Doesn’t Mean Loving Everything, Every Day

Self-love isn’t about looking in the mirror every morning and feeling like Beyoncé at the Grammys, it’s about showing up for yourself, even on the days when your right love handle seems to be photobombing every dress you own (trust me, I've been there!). It’s loving who you are at your core, a kind, smart, funny, talented person no matter what size jeans you wear.

Audrey Hepburn once said, “The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.” And girl, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Not even that shitty little voice in your head.

5 Tips for Embracing Your Authentic Self

Here are some things that have helped me embrace myself, even when the world feels like it’s telling me not to:

1. Clean Up Your Social Media: I had to make a whole change around my socials when I realized that following certain accounts was hurting my self-confidence and making me feel BLEH. You have to start looking for accounts and people who make you feel good about yourself, and who feel good about themselves and exude that on their platforms. Think creators who celebrate body diversity, post realistic content and encourage self-love. Goodbye to anyone who makes you feel less than. (Unfollow button = self-care.)

   
   

2. Talk Nicely to Yourself: Start your mornings with affirmations. Whether it’s “I am strong,” “I am worthy,” or even “I’m about to have the most successful day,” words matter. Speak kindly to yourself because without realizing it, you’re listening and that voice starts seeping into every single part of your life.

   
   

3. Find Joyful Movement: Exercise doesn’t have to mean punishing workouts that you hate, it means loving your body through movement to help you feel amazing and strong in your body. Try dancing, yoga (check out All Bodies Are Gym Bodies), swimming, or anything else that makes you happy. It’s not about changing your body but celebrating what it can do.

   
   

4. Search for Inclusive Brands: While some brands have dropped the ball, others are stepping up. Check out places like Universal Standard and Eloquii, which are making an effort to serve and celebrate plus-size women. You deserve to wear clothes that make you feel amazing.

   
   

5. Build a Support Squad: Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Whether it’s friends, family, or online communities like this one, find your tribe. It’s so much easier to embrace yourself when you’re surrounded by love and positivity.

   
   
   
   

What About You? How do you silence the noise and show up for yourself? What’s helped you build self-love? Let me know, I’d love to hear your journey.

Remember: self-love isn’t a destination, it's a journey, and it’s a relationship. Some days will be easier than others, but you’re worth the effort every single day.