I cannot think of a time in my life when I have been completely comfortable with my body. Even at my skinniest senior year self, I thought I looked awful. When I got to college I stayed about the same weight for a year, practically skipping the freshman fifteen altogether.
In my sophomore year however, I started doing more work and less exercise. I stayed in my dorm and ate a lot of microwaveable meals. I started birth control and anxiety medication (both of which can lead to weight gain). I was constantly stressed out. I ended up gaining around 30 pounds in one semester, and my self-esteem had never been lower.
Weight is not an easy thing to talk about. Whether you think you're too skinny or too fat or anywhere in between, it takes a toll on both your emotional and physical health. I have been stewing on this article for months now, simply because I hate talking about how skinny I used to be and how much weight I've gained since I got to college.
Though my weight gain is a touchy subject for me, I have learned quite a few things in the process of it. It's not all sunshine and rainbows-- that's for sure. But, if you stay positive, it doesn't have to be the worst thing in the world, either.
You're going to have good and bad days.
Some days I'll look in the mirror and be like, "hot damn, I look good today!" I have no shame-- everyone has days like this. They're the best.
Other days, I avoid mirrors at all costs. These days are kind of the worst and definitely days you don't want to get on my bad side. On these bad days, it's important to think about the fact that hopefully in the very near future, you'll have one a "slay" day again.
One bad day won't make or break you.
Being healthy is the most important thing.
So you've gained a couple pounds-- whoops! Are you still eating right? Good, keep doing that. Do you get at least a little bit of exercise each day? Good! That's very important.
As long as you're not just accepting defeat and letting a little weight get the best of you, you're good. Keep chugging along-- maybe push yourself to acquire a few more healthy habits and you'll feel good about yourself in no time.
No one is going to notice it as much as you are.
When I first started gaining weight, I was petrified of going back home and seeing my friends from high school that knew me at my skinniest. Much to my surprise, no one said anything about my weight (because they are awesome and knew they shouldn't have). When I asked if they could tell that I had gained a few pounds, they said that they barely could.
Now, I've known the majority of my friends from home since elementary school and I can always tell when they're lying. They would also be completely honest with me, especially in this case.
The point is, you never look nearly as bad as you feel. We are programmed to be extra critical of ourselves, and this negativity is doubled when it comes to how we look. Looks are a sensitive thing, but they're never as hopeless as we make them out to be.
You're pretty fab no matter what.
Even after my sophomore seventy (okay, that's an exaggeration), I was still my same old awesome self. And yes, I will say I'm awesome-- and you are too! Gaining a little weight does not change who you are whatsoever.
So rock those couple extra pounds, buy some clothes that make you look killer and keep being healthy. Don't feel guilty and don't apologize for your weight. As long as you take care of yourself and keep making yourself happy, you'll be on top of the world.
