What are your best qualities?
I would say that my best qualities are, being kind, non-judgmental (ever), and being honest. No matter who I am with or talking to I am the same person.
Do you have any undesirable qualities?
I overthink EVERYTHING! And being honest can sometimes hurt, so I am working on my delivery.
What are you most afraid of right now?
I am afraid of everything but not in a way that scares me, more in a way that excites me. Not knowing what is coming is nerve-racking, and motivating all at the same time.
What do you love the most about your body?
The human body in general amazes me, with all that it can do and be put through. My body continues to shock me with how it moves and how it tells me when something is wrong. Today we have all this amazing technology and can look at tiny cells and so much more. But the human body is so intuitive and doesn't need any of that to tell you what it needs.
What are you working on loving more?
I am honestly trying to love myself more. We are the hardest critics of ourselves, and I am a hypocrite. I love making sure everyone else feels good about themselves, though when it comes to me all I think are negative thoughts. So self-love is my current mission.
Tell us the story about your stretch marks and scars…
My scars are from growing very tall very quickly. It was like one night I woke up and was three inches taller. I was extremely self-conscious and hated being the tallest out of my friends ... and all the boys. There was no hiding or blending in. BOOM there I was standing there like a skyscraper. Everyone was saying “Wow I would kill for your height” or “ it must be nice to be so tall.” No, it sucked in middle/high school, plus now I had marks on me reminding me. Fast forward to now, I love my height, long legs, and tiger stripes. Walking down the street, I feel confident in my height; dressing up I feel elegant. We are each made differently and have unique traits. Learning to embrace them and owning them is the key.
What was your response when you first noticed your stretch marks?
I first noticed them on my hips in middle school.
How did those around you make you feel about your stretchmarks/scars?
I would get questions like “What happened?”, “do they hurt?” So I became very aware of them and hated them because they were so noticeable.
Describe your journey with body acceptance...
My journey is still ongoing and has been a very bumpy ride. I have learned a lot about my body and mind. These two are not separate and both need attention. I have definitely had my ups and downs and a real struggle with loving myself. I know that this will always be an ongoing project of mine and I am ok with that. Some days are better than others, knowing and accepting that is the real journey. It is okay to feel bad and not 100% embrace it and make tomorrow better.
Do you practice self-love as often as you want to?
No, honestly I forget. Though in knowing this I have started to make more of an effort too. I have noticed that self-love does not have to be this big extravagant spa day and doesn't have me be Instagrammed to count. It is as simple as looking in the mirror and noticing yourself.
What is one of your qualities you wish shined brighter than exterior appearance?
That I am truly a compassionate person and I care deeply about how others feel.
What about self-love are you continuing to work on?
Not to constantly criticize myself and compare my body to others.