I haven't weighed myself since November 2017.

The truth is, I don't care about the number on the scale. After all, it's just a number.

What is more important, though? The number that appears below me or my mental health and happiness?

I vote my mental health and happiness.

I used to care too much about what the number on the scale said. Now, I only know my weight when I go to the doctor.

My body and how it looks is something I'm constantly thinking about. Does this shirt make me look big? Do these pants give me a muffin top? How many layers do I need to wear to hide the imperfections? I don't want to wear shorts!

Honestly, all of the above thoughts are unhealthy and detrimental to my happiness, especially as a college student.

I'm learning to love my body. I'm learning to focus on my mental health. I'm learning to embrace the imperfections.

Of course, I'll still try to eat healthier and work out when time allows.

But, I'm going to eat the hamburger. I'm going to drink the coffee. I'm going to treat myself to ice cream after a rough day. I'm going to do what makes me happy. And if that means eating my favorite foods, then so be it.

Weight is just a number, and it comes in all shapes, sizes, heights, and dispositions. Happiness is something that is hard to come by in college. We're stressed, overwhelmed, and sometimes forced to make unhealthy decisions. Being positive about myself and my body is one thing I can do to change how I see myself in the mirror.

So, no. The number on the scale will not contribute to or take away from my happiness. It will not be the sole determinant of how I feel about myself.

What will be, however, is my mental health and my overall happiness.

A positive attitude about my body and my life are how I will succeed and become a more confident, productive woman.

And that's who I plan to be.