How I Started Losing Weight

First and foremost, you are beautiful and amazing.

I, however, did not think that I was either of those things at the ripe age of 10. I didn’t work out consistently, but I did follow workout videos on YouTube and sometimes went a day without eating, hoping that my belly fat would disappear.

I’m actually glad I’ve never been one for consistency or routine, because I might never have made the mental shift that got me to where I am today.

Eight years later, I still wish I worked out more often, and I do tend to skip breakfast—but it’s no longer because of what I see in the mirror.

After years of trying to lose weight and failing, I gave up. And I’m so glad I did.

I switched from terrible cardio videos to practicing handstands and cartwheels. I started lifting weights again so I could still give little kids piggyback rides. I started running so I could keep up with my friends.

I haven’t lost weight. I’ve gained muscle, flexibility, and endurance. But more importantly—I’m happy.

When I look at pictures of myself from middle school, I get upset. Whether I was overweight or not, whether I was "ugly" or not, I know I wasn’t happy. I can see it in the photos of me sitting back while everyone else played together.

I haven’t lost weight, but I’ve grown up. I love what I see in the mirror, and I have ever since I forced myself to stop hating myself.

I gave up on losing weight and decided to like what I saw—because it wasn’t going anywhere. And I never expected that my love for what I saw would fuel the love I gave my body.

Now, I work out so that I’m capable—not so I can buy smaller jeans.

I used to think that if I worked hard enough, my body would become something I could love. But that’s not how it works.

If you want a body you can love, you have to love the body you already have.