"Life is way to short to spend another day at war with yourself" - Unknown

I wish I could count the amount of time I've heard someone say..."I want to be skinny". Unfortunately, I have heard it way too many times, and have even said it myself. As teenagers and young adults, we feel the need to be skinny, perfect and all around put together. The reality is "skinny" looks different on each and every single person. We are not perfect, and I speak for myself, but I am far from all put together at times. This one is for the person who is struggling, has been there, or needs a little reminder of your own self-worth. It is time to leave the skinny mindset behind!

I honestly cringe anytime someone says that they go to the gym or skip a meal in order to lose weight or get "skinny". That used to be me. Four years ago I would've said the exact same thing. I could tell you stories of how I would count calories, skip a meal, or how I would be so mad at myself every time I ate something I should not have. But I'm not going to, I left that mindset behind, and I could not be happier.

What is skinny even? We talk about being skinny and all the different ways to reach "skinny" but what exactly is the "skinny goal"? Looking back now, I question what my goal even was. I got tired of trying to fit into this perfect little box of ideals that I had for myself and my body. I soon started going to the gym because I actually enjoyed it. Not so I could go home and eat without the guilt. After that, I stopped counting the calories. I found a good balance between eating healthy and indulging once in a while on chocolate and all my other favorite unhealthy foods. And most importantly, I do not skip meals anymore.

I no longer strive to be skinny, my goal is healthy and fit. You need to find a balance in your life. When your body starts to overtake everything you think about, you need to step back and reevaluate. You are more than your body, and what anyone thinks about it. It is okay to not have a thigh gap or a washboard stomach. It is okay to have curves and every other thing you think is a "flaw". Everyone's body is unique and different. When you look at someone and wish you had their body, stop. Do not let your mind bully your body. When you are having a down day do not sink back into the old routines. So next time you think "I need/want to be skinny" push those feelings aside. You will be happier when you put the "skinny" mindset behind you.