a thank you .

Regardless, thank you. To everyone who dropped encouraging words + funny solutions: your time and thoughts were so appreciated. A handful of them made me cry. Many of them made me giggle. And some of them made me think. A few of them did all three. I treasured each word. Truly, I did.

Over the past few months, some of my girlfriends & always thoughtful co-workers have pulled me aside to reason with me to not lose much more weight before the wedding. They each made the same positive point: When I look back at my wedding photos, I want to see me…not some sad, shell of a girl, who whittled away months trying to fit into a size 4 gown…and still isn’t happy with herself. (or as my friend, anna, says- ‘you don’t want to look like nicole richie walking down the aisle’… FAR from that.) Rock those healthy curves, they said, rather than show up to the big day looking not like me.

They’re right. Currently, I’m the smallest I’ve been in my adult life. I should embrace and celebrate it! And so for now, I’m making healthy efforts to take care of my bod, little things to help me feel beautiful: At 29, I’ve finally established a skin-care regiment. I’ve incorporated exercise into my routine at least four-seven times a week. I watch what I eat- especially portion sizes and nutrition. I’ve almost completely cut out soda, and have welcomed drinking 10 glasses of water a day. I even have an electric toothbrush, cause you’ve gotta take care of that smile. 

And most importantly, tending to my emotional health: I’m learning to believe I can be beautiful, just as I am. No matter what size.

Whew. That’s a big one.

thank you.