3. What do you love the most about your body?
I want to say my heart. I have a really big heart, and I love “love”.
1. What are your best qualities?
I am really thoughtful, that also ties into my good memory. I love that about myself- that I have such a good memory. I think I remember things so detailed because I really am thoughtful. I think about interactions so much in the present moment, so then they are easy to recall. Communication. I also like that I stand up for myself. I always feel like I can really rely on that inner strength.
2. What are your worst qualities?
Procrastination. I can really put things off, and it can really hinder my success trajectory. I like to think I am really open minded, but that’s only towards the things I agree about. I am really opened minded with other open minded people, and so I get impatient with people I don’t agree with. Lastly...I love drama. I love a good gossip sesh.
4. Describe the moment you began to accept your body...
I swear college graduation was such a pivotal point for me. Hearing people speak nicely about themselves makes such a difference. I remember one night, something just clicked and I had this moment of, “oh my gosh, I love myself!” I think it’s just something that comes from maturing. Now I feel pretty damn good about myself. Now, I don’t really care about people who put a high premium on size.
5. What makes you feel the most beautiful?
I like when I have a glow. I love feeling like I am radiating. No make up, natural. It is a feeling.
8. What is one of your qualities you wish shined brighter than exterior appearance?
Oh my gosh, my intelligence! A guy told me I was smart, and I swear, it was the best compliment I had ever received. It means so much more than something telling me I am good looking.
9. What lesson do you hope to instill to your children about self-love & body acceptance?
I think that self love should be unconditional. You shouldn’t only feel good on days when you look good. I would tell my children just to love themselves no matter what. Regardless of any variable.
10. How do women need to improve interacting with one another?
I think competitiveness can get so catty. Women are so much stronger when they work together. And there is room for everyone. Just because one women is strong and successful doesn’t mean you can’t be. I would like to see that shift to be more normal. All of us uplifting each other rather than competing with each other.
6. What was your self-love journey?
It’s had a lot of highs and lows. I was really bad at taking care of myself in college. I surrounded myself in such an environment where a lot of women were looking at their aesthetic with such scrutiny. It made me pretty uncomfortable and self conscious. All which manifested into not taking care of myself, nutrition wise and fitness wise. And then, my sister and mom were very worried about me. Although I met with someone, it was still something I struggled with.
7. What is something you wish you could have told yourself during your most delicate state?
Your looks don’t matter. That’s not where you should be putting your energy or value. I would have told myself, “I honor that you feel upset about this, I understand why, and I want you to know that it is not important.”
11. How do you care for your body?
Its a balance. Often people who are recovering from body dysmorphia or an eating disorder have a really hard time finding a balance. Often we hear, “Treat yourself! Self care means eating an ice cream or pizza!” Those little indulgences are fine, but loving yourself doesn’t mean treating your body poorly. Part of the way I really self care is by giving myself healthy foods, hydrating, getting enough sleep. Finding the balance.
