If you are a human in today's society I think it's safe to say you are self conscious about something. Whether it's how your eyes are funny shaped, your thighs are too big, your teeth aren't white enough, or the big one - you don't feel skinny enough. What exactly is skinny enough? Who decides what is categorized as skinny enough? These are the questions that I think about on a daily basis.

I believe there is a God out there who makes each and every one of us. I believe that our God is perfect and I believe that he makes nothing less than perfection. As stated in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Yeah, you read that right..for we are God's masterpiece. Once again, masterpiece. You, each and every one of you, are a masterpiece made uniquely by our God. I know it is so hard to believe that though. With all of the models, actors/actresses, and media in general, it is nearly impossible to feel confident in today's day and age. But why? Why do we let photo-shop and unreal expectations ruin our image of ourselves?

Among my friends I have always been told that I'm not fat so I have no right to feel self-conscious. The truth is, you are always going to be skinnier than someone or bigger than someone. However, that does not mean that others have any more or less of a right to feel self-conscious about themselves! Why can't we (males and females) come together and unite? Why do we all just feel the need to point out other peoples flaws to make ourselves feel better?! Now before this article turns into a rant on equality and body shaming, I'm going to turn it back to the whole skinny issue.

Based off of the media's standards, I am not "skinny enough." I'm not a size zero. Actually I'm not a size four either. Nope not a size six, or even a size seven. I am categorized in the sizes 8-10 club. Now some of you are thinking I'm crazy, that size seems so huge. The other part of you are saying to yourselves that a size 8 or 10 seem so small. Well stop. Stop thinking whatever negative thoughts you are thinking about me or yourselves and hear me out.

First of all, skinny is not defined by any number; whether it be your pants/shirt size or the numbers on the scale. Second of all, not only am I okay with not being "skinny enough," I don't want to be "skinny enough." I play college volleyball and workout regularly. I eat pretty healthy for the most part, but I'm also not going to deprive myself of cake and ice cream. I have no interest in being one of those crazy buff and skinny girls in the fitness magazines. I just want to be the best version of me. I push myself harder everyday and that is all that matters. Now, if being crazy buff and skinny like those professional athletes or bodybuilders is what you want, than do that. However, stop comparing yourself to other professional athletes and bodybuilders. Comparing ourselves to anyone other than who we were yesterday is a waste of time.

Another reason I have no interest in being "skinny enough," is because of where I am at in life. I'm almost 21 and not in high school anymore, my metabolism has slowed down, and I've stopped growing. When I entered this past year of college feeling "skinny" and then gained a solid 10 pounds and none of my clothes fit I had a small panic attack. Then I looked in the mirror. I was not a little girl anymore (and I was perfectly okay with that). I gained weight because I filled out. To be blunt, I got boobs and a butt. My clothes didn't fit because my hips got wider. Not because I was out of shape or eating like crap, but because my body was preparing itself to be able to carry a child someday. That what life is girls and I'm sorry. Just like that verse says, "He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ladies, God made our bodies to carry and give birth to children. And quite frankly, I think that makes my body rock!

I am okay with having extra skin in my stomach area because that decreases my risk of stretch marks. I am okay with my hips getting wide because I embrace having curves. It is unrealistic to look at these celebrities that have more than enough money to hire any personal trainer in the world, have the best of the best chefs cooking them pure and healthy meals, and receive whatever surgery needed to complete the look that we, the public, see. It is not real! It is whatever picture they want us to see. We, the common people, don't have that luxury. We go into public and people see what we are. Remember that it is okay to not be "skinny enough." Be a kick-ass version of you and in that should bring you happiness.