Journal Entry #14: Women Everywhere Are Embracing Their Bodies & I Am Overexercising

“Being your own worst enemy is a full-time job.”

I came across a photo set on Instagram of a model I met in NYC a few years ago at a hole-in-the-wall bar. In a tipsy state I walked up to her and asked if she belonged to the Instagram handle I provided. She jumped up and down with excitement and gave me several hugs. I still remember her warm and sweet personality. Now her birthday is coming up and she did a lingerie photo shoot to celebrate.

She is a beautiful Afro-Latina, and while her tattoos, half-naked body, and braided long hair were on full display, the only part of the photo I was drawn to were the fat rolls that sat comfortably underneath her thin red bra strap.

Now this model, and several other ladies I know and don’t know in real life, are very comfortable in their skin and they are embracing their bodies like never before. One of my friends took a trip to Mexico and she had the biggest smile on her face as she posed in her lavender string bikini with her pudgy stomach on full display. Another old classmate of mine wore a cropped top to a party, with several rolls of back fat lining the sides of her body proudly.

And I am happy that these beautiful, successful ladies are wearing whatever they please. I am unsure what…