What are your best qualities?
My smile and I am a great listener.
Do you have any undesirable qualities?
I can be passive sometimes and don't always speak up for my self.
What do you love the most about your body?
I love my legs.
What is one part of your body you're working on loving more?
I am working on trying to embrace my individuality.
Tell us the story about your stretch marks and scars...
I used to be very thin and once I got into my early thirties, I guess my metabolism slowed down and I started gaining weight. I also have a C-Section scar that runs from hip to hip.
What was your response when you first noticed your stretch marks?
At first, I didn't notice them at all. Then I happened to notice them one day when I got out of the shower and just said to myself "oh well" there's nothing I can do about it. I definitely was not upset or ashamed.
How did those around you make you feel about your stretch marks/scars?
My boyfriend actually said that he liked my "tiger stripes".
Describe your journey with body acceptance...
My journey has been a long one. I struggled being the "skinny girl" ALL of my life and that really hurt me. Which made my self-esteem and confidence level go down. As I got older, I realized that I needed to learn how to embrace and accept my body.
Do you practice self love as often as you want to?
I try to practice as often as I can. I try to get out and have some me time. Massages, retail therapy, and lunch/dinner with friends.
What is one of your qualities you wish shined brighter than exterior appearance?
My personality because when I first meet people I feel like people think that I'm stuck up or stand offish. In reality, I'm a very nice person.
What about self-love are you continuing to work on?
We tend to get caught up in social media and want to look or be like our favorite Instagrammers. I find myself doing it all the time and I sometimes get down on myself. I definitely need to work on, not comparing myself to others.
What lesson do you hope to instill to your children about self-love & body acceptance?
Don't let anyone tell you, you are not good enough. You are!!!