OOTD: Wearing Confidence

All of my life I've been overweight... And for the longest time I used to think that there was something severely wrong with me. I hated what I saw in the mirror, and more than anything in the world I wanted to be "skinny" (yes, "skinny" not "healthy"). Being overweight kept me from so many things: talking to people, going out with family, hanging out with friends, & even raising my hand in class. I dreaded the thought of people looking at me and judging me. Over the years I started to come out of my shell but, it never fixed the real problem: the way I viewed and valued myself as a person. The problem wasn't that I was overweight... it was that I hated myself for being that way!

All those years I focused on what other people thought about me, and not on what I thought about myself. It never dawned on me that people will only perceive what you allow them to see! If you put out the "vibe" that you're ashamed of the way you look, people will notice and assume that there is something wrong with the way you look... because you know what...? You gave them that power!

Confidence begins with acceptance. It's you accepting who you are, the way you are! Its gaining self worth and not allowing anybody else to tell you you're worth any less!!!

It took me 22 years to be able to wear a two-piece swimsuit on a public beach but, I DID IT! And, it felt so good!!!

Photography & Editing by Edward Iglesias (www.instagram.com/phoenixoptics)

Bikini Top: Forever21

High-waisted Bikini Bottom: Forever21

Kimono: Forever21

Hat: Charlotte Russe 

Nail Polish: O.P.I. in Charged Up Cherry

I encourage everyone to start dressing in confidence!!! Believe me, it makes all the difference. 

If you're in need of some inspiration check out these hashtags on Instagram: #celebratemysize #honormycurves #bodypositive #effyourbeautystandards 

A huge "thank you" to Lenna for being the best bestie ever! If you wouldn't have encouraged me to buy this swimsuit this post wouldn't exist! Love you!!! <3

I've included links to the items that are still available online (just click on the item's brand name).

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Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!