I was athletic in high school but never skinny. I told myself that because I played sports year round, it was okay for me to eat complete crap nearly every meal—pizza, donuts, soda, you name it. Yes, I envied those skinny girls who always seemed to have boys chasing after them, but for some reason, it never clicked that the issue was my mindset, not my genes.

As I laughed and socialized at school, I was constantly monitoring myself to make sure I looked acceptable. Sit up straight so your stomach looks flatter… Cross your legs so your thighs don’t seem so huge… Hold your head up so you don’t have a double chin… I practiced poses in the mirror to ensure I was standing in the most slimming position when a photo was taken. I skipped lunch a few times a week because I would be feeling especially fat that day. My dissatisfaction with my physical appearance literally consumed me.

Then college happened, and I was no longer playing sports year round. I started to really notice the negative impact my terrible eating habits caused. I had no energy and slept away most of my days, not to mention the weight gain that ensued.

It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that everything changed. I moved across the country to complete the Disney College Program. Mostly because of the hideous costumes we wore at work, I finally forgot to criticize my body every other minute because everyone around me looked pretty hilarious, too. I made an incredible group of friends and learned to truly love life. And then, over time, my outlook about everything became increasingly positive.

By the time I completed my second College Program my senior year, this mindset was permanently instilled in me. I learned to be grateful for all the blessings in my life—my friends and family, the opportunity to work at the happiest place on earth, a quality education, and my body. Suddenly, the realization came: I am so blessed to have a fully functioning body. This gratitude developed into a desire to nurture and take care of the only body I have been given.

I began eating natural foods and working out a couple times a week. No, I never achieved a six pack, a thigh gap, or anything in between, but I was finally proud of my body. I had more energy, stamina, and confidence. I became so happy with my life, I forgot to dish out my usual stream of self-criticism. I finally learned to love my body, because I am beautiful, and so are you.