Friend Friday: Loving My Body

 Today's FFBF topic is Body Image. And isn't that something we ALL think about, whether it's good or bad? I'm excited to share my answers with you. And I hope you all enjoy reading what I have to say, because I'm extremely passionate about this topic. Even moreso than I'm passionate about colors!

For more information on Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, visit Katy's blog, Modly Chic!

You can also go here to find a list of everyone participating in this week's topic discussion.

 dress: Max Studio (via TJ Maxx), cardi: Old Navy, boots: Payless

All photos were taken by my lovely husband.

{one}

Since you started blogging, has your image of yourself changed?

I have to say yes and no. That's a fun answer to explain, right? I think my body image is about the same and my self-image has changed drastically. I have ALWAYS had problem areas with my body, skin, hair, or whatever part of myself that is driving me crazy at any given moment. I used to run four miles a day, two days a week, and four miles two other days. I was a cheerleader for several years and a swimmer, too. If you asked me to run a mile, today, though, I'd laugh at you and play dead. Anyway, I have never been my "ideal" body type, no matter what exercises or diet I've kept up with. As far as self-image as a whole, I'm much more confident to wear whatever I want and not have to try and wear what "society" deems appropriate for a plus sized woman. If I want to show my legs, I will. If my shirt is tight, I wanted it to be that way. If skinny girls can show off their flat stomachs, I will show off my round one. People may not like some of my sartorial choices, but if I'm confident in how I look and feel (which, generally, I am), I don't really mind others' opinions.

{two}

Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it, or do you post/talk about it anyway?

I think being "self-conscious" is a good thing. Doesn't that simply mean we're conscious of our selves? Whether it's consciousness of good or bad things? So, yes, all the time. I'm conscious of myself regarding how I feel, how I look, body parts (namely my midsection, tops of thighs and tops of arms), hair (mostly when it's frizzy and unruly or extra dirty), and my skin (which breaks out for two weeks every month). I don't go out of my way to avoid anything, though. This is a style blog about ME. I'm unique and I'm not going to hide any of it. If I don't love myself, how do I expect you to love me? Sure, I'm unhappy about my body sometimes, but I'm also really proud of all the things it has done for me. For instance, I created a little life inside of myself. The creator inside of me and the creation that grew inside of me are very gorgeous.

Thank you very much.

And obviously, I talk about everything. :)

{three}

Based on how you're feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?

I feel great right now. I want to lose weight, and I don't want to feel pressured by anyone but myself to do it. I'm fine with that. I know what needs to be done and when I get there, I'll get there. I want to create more life with my body in the future. I want to be proud of my body and adorn it in beautiful things. I hope to continue being proud of what my body has done. I tend to look at myself in the mirror and choose bits and pieces that I'm not feeling confident about. Then I look at my face and into my own eyes and remember that I'm really beautiful.

{four}

Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?

I take most of my own photographs and my husband has been taking more and more as of late. Obviously, with a personal style blog, I'm going to have photos of myself all over the place (see today's post- oh, you're seeing it right now, aren't you?). I feel awkward when I'm getting my picture taken or taking my own pictures, mostly because I'm unsure of how to pose. I want to switch things up all the time, but I find it difficult to not look like a human pretzel when I'm trying to be creative.

{five}

What would you want everyone who struggles with body image to take to heart?

You're not the only one. No one (and I mean NOT ONE PERSON) is perfect. What is perfect, anyway? If you're unhappy with yourself, you're the only person who can do something about it, and if you love yourself, it's going to show, no matter what you look like. Confidence and security are contagious and beautiful things.

I hope you all have an absolutely fabulous, beautiful, and confidence-filled weekend! Little S. and I are going down to Rochelle's tomorrow, then heading out for some post-birthday shopping! I'm so psyched to see my friend, again, and do one of our favorite things, together! I'll be back with some more 30 Things, tomorrow, too!