I have seen ads on TV and articles online both in the past and recent with titles like, "Five fat trimming foods", or, "Top 10 ways to melt away that muffin top". I remember seeing those same ads when I was a teenager. I often bought 'Seventeen Magazine' and would flip through its pages and stare at the super trim and fit models and long to be just like them.

The word "fat" never crossed my mind. However, I remember the first time I was called "fat". Oddly enough, it wasn't from a playground bully. I was trying on clothes in a department store and my mom was with me that day. I'm sure she didn't mean it maliciously, but it made an impact. From then on, I looked at my body differently.

Middle school was even harder for me, I was picked on and taunted for numerous things. I started looking more frequently at my body and noticing flaws all throughout me. My face was round, my chin was squared and my belly had rolls. I wasn't like other girls and I definitely wasn't like the girls in the magazines.

As I got into high school, I became even more self conscious and my body image was terrible. I didn't like what I saw and it seemed like even when I tried to lose weight I gained even more back! I was becoming more depressed and because of it, I began to start wanting to turn to self harm. That was the moment I realized I needed to change something, fast!

I started learning instead of hating my body and comparing it to realize that I was basically comparing apples to oranges. The models I saw in magazines were heavily photo-shopped and lived such a different lifestyle than I did. I couldn't possibly begin to compare myself to the media's idea of perfection.

However, on that same note, it is vastly important to understand that the models that DO appear in those magazines have the same body image issues, too. How can someone who is looked through a magnifying glass not question if they are good enough?

Now, here is the kicker to my situation. I might be societies idea of "fat", but I am something beyond that, and so are you. My thighs might not have that "gap" and you can't see my abs past my rolls, but here is what matters. You are loved. I am loved. WE are loved. I was born a thick girl and I'll die a thick girl.

Instead of hating the skin I'm in, I have started to embrace it. Losing weight is hard for me for numerous medical reasons. Instead of obsessing about my tummy in the mirror, I dress for my body type. I know what looks awesome on me. I stopped reading the magazines that told me I wasn't perfect. I started listening to others around me who told me I was beautiful.

Confidence in my own body came in time; however, I learned that even though I don't have the most banging beach body, what I do have mattered more. I'm smart. I'm kind. I have a pretty awesome sense of humor and that people love me (who mattered!) regardless of what I look like.

Once you realize there is so much more to you then just your outer appearance, you've made a huge step in the self acceptance process. Yes, it's a process. However, it is also a roller coaster sometimes. I have my moments where I let words get to me; I am human after all. I read an article not too long ago by a lovely friend of mine that I absolutely fell in love with, You Are More Than Just A Number. She points out some awesome points as well that I haven't hit on.

Since my middle school days l, I've almost became numb to the word "fat". So much so that I even say I'm fat to other people and I absolutely get strange looks. I know who I am and I know my worth. My size shouldn't affect anyone else. It certainly should not effect my self-esteem.

Love the skin you are in and be proud of who you are. Don't be afraid to shake what your mama gave ya!