Dear Body,

I'm writing to you simply because I know you have had a tough time. There was a point a long time ago when I thought you looked good. Well, maybe not good, but better than I believe you do now. All of this goes back to the choices you made before you knew the damage a few mistakes could cause. Years later, here we are and this is the start of my apology.

First of all, I'm sorry for being an athlete. I'm sorry for waking up early every morning, often before the sun rises, and for setting alarms even when I know you're not ready to wake up yet. I'm sorry for depleting you of oxygen every stroke I take, piece I complete, or minute I race. I'm sorry for not eating nearly enough and damaging you as a result. I'm sorry for breaking you on a daily basis and not being able to do anything about it, even though soreness, tightness, and injury are a sad reality of an athlete.

I'm sorry for damaging you by sitting out in the hot sun on a gorgeous day while burning your skin, and I'm sorry for freezing you by being out in the cold wearing just shorts and a sweatshirt. I'm sorry for burning your hair with curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers, and putting chemicals in your hair to change the color, texture, and style you already have. I'm sorry for piercing my body with metal and for putting ink under my skin with needles. I'm sorry for covering your flaws with makeup and embellishing your features for my own satisfaction. I'm sorry for not appreciating you for what you already are instead of what you are not.

I'm sorry for not treating you the way you should be treated. I'm sorry for eating greasy pizza after going out one night. I'm sorry for eating chicken nuggets, french fries, and milkshakes when they're available. I'm sorry for ordering cookies and smoothies just because I'm craving them. I'm sorry for drinking too much when I go out, and I'm sorry for drinking so little when I get back. I'm sorry for the anxiety that comes as a result of exams and upcoming assignments, and I'm sorry for the stress that introduces itself in every situation. I'm sorry for not taking the time to acknowledge the fact that you need a break every once in a while, and I'm sorry for my lack of concern over the little things in life.

I'm sorry for wearing clothes that cause you pain and discomfort. I'm sorry for wearing shirts that make it hard to breathe, and for wearing dresses that are too tight and have to squeeze yourself into. I'm sorry for wearing jeans and leggings that cut off the circulation to your hips and legs. I'm sorry for wearing shoes that barely fit, or dig into your skin from five inches off the ground. I'm sorry for wearing hair ties on my wrist that leave marks overnight, and for wearing a book bag/purse around that kills your shoulders and back.

I'm sorry for everything I put you through on a daily basis. I know that there is so much to appreciate about you, but lately, I've been neglecting to acknowledge those things. I'm sorry for focusing so much on the bad things and not taking the time to see the good things. I love you and everything about you, and want to thank you for putting up with all the things that I do to you.

Love,

Me