She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Body Insecurity

For years, I struggled with a common dilemma: a closet full of clothes, yet nothing to wear. The problem wasn’t a lack of options, but rather, most of my garments were too small for my body. I’m talking pants that wouldn’t budge past my thighs, tops that barely covered my stomach, and dresses that felt suffocating. It’s a phenomenon many women can relate to, but in my case, it was more than just a joke.

The Root of the Problem

Between my first and second year of college, I gained a significant amount of weight – more than the infamous freshman 15. As a result, my old clothes no longer fit, but instead of updating my wardrobe, I clung to them, stuck in denial about my new shape. This mindset was fueled by years of low self-esteem and the hope that I’d eventually be able to wear those clothes again.

Finding Acceptance

However, I eventually came to realize that holding onto those clothes was causing me emotional pain. I needed a change. Here are three key factors that helped me accept my new body:

Embracing Inclusive Fashion

I discovered companies that cater to diverse body types, such as ASOS, Boohoo, and ModCloth. These brands offer a wide range of sizes, stylish designs, and affordability – a far cry from the limited options available to plus-size consumers in the past. I’m grateful to have found them, as they rekindled my passion for fashion and allowed me to ditch the clothes that no longer served me.

Surrounding Myself with Positivity

Growing up, I attended a high school where image was everything. As a fashion design student, I was constantly judged on my ability to create beautiful clothes and my personal style. This pressure led me to dress for others, rather than myself. However, I broke free from this cycle by surrounding myself with people who didn’t judge me based on my appearance. I also made a conscious effort to follow body-positive influencers on social media, which helped shift my perspective.

Confronting Emotional Trauma

Gaining weight rapidly took a toll on my mental health. I felt lost, with no idea how to cope with my new body. Thankfully, I had access to therapy, which helped me unpack my emotions and come to terms with my physical changes. Additionally, I joined a local food addicts anonymous group, which opened my eyes to my emotional reliance on food. These experiences were instrumental in my journey towards self-acceptance.

A New Chapter

Today, my relationship with my body still has its ups and downs, but I’ve made significant progress. I’ve learned to appreciate my reflection and let go of clothes that no longer serve me. I’m no longer striving to be someone I once was; instead, I’m comfortable with who I am today.