Content Warning: Talking about mental health helps to improve one’s mind, to not feel self-conscious, and to love for oneself. If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphia or an eating disorder, please seek help. You can text, chat, or call the National Eating Disorder Association at 1-800-931-2237.

I am here to share how I turned others’ comments about my body into something meaningful.

As a female teenager, name-calling, and questions like “Do you even eat?” and “Are you starved?” are something that I have to endure. I used to cry at night because of it. I knew I can’t control what other people say about my body, so I took control of how I see myself instead. I have a long way to go, but I am taking things one step at a time until I can finally wear the clothes that I hid because of the shame.

I had a lot of pain and frustration hidden behind my smile until I found Channel Kindness. Stories on Channel Kindness about the importance of loving oneself inspired me to do just that. Channel Kindness’s daily Instagram posts such about self-love helped me get through the day. I learned to be kind and to embrace the body that I have. I got tired of crying and blaming myself. So, I decided to stop comparing myself to others and saying mean things to myself. I turned those mean comments into something that will inspire and motivate me to love myself for who I am. Those comments are the reasons why I can finally feel free. 

I lend some time to reflect and meditate as my self-care routine. I like being alone in a room, being able to hear my thoughts. It works for me and it’s soothing.

It’s nice to turn the ugly into something beautiful. No matter your size, I want you to know that you’re beautiful. It’s okay to feel sad sometimes. It feels great to spend your time caring about what you think about yourself, instead. 

For more Body Image Resources, please visit https://bornthisway.foundation/get-help-now/.