I look back to when I was 16 years old, 20 years old, and even 28 years old, and I have to laugh.  I am not sure why it took me having to carry two children to learn to love myself more, but it did.

When I was 16 years old I danced, played field hockey, and fenced.  I was quite fit, however I still had a little tummy.  Probably unrecognizable to everyone else, but to me a thorn in my side.  I refused to wear two piece bathing suits or anything that was fitted, as I was very uncomfortable with my form.  As I got older my view did not change of myself and I became very critical of how I looked.  If only I could take the pudge from my tummy and add it to my chest, well that would be perfection I used to think.

I was envious of women I saw who I viewed had the “perfect” body. But more so, was envious of the women who seemed so content and happy with themselves.  I wish I had had their confidence, their inner happiness, their magic secret.

It’s funny, I am not sure why, but after having two children two undeniable things changed for me.  Let’s face it, not everything went back to the way it once was and the stretch marks on my thighs and tummy are like a road map that tells the stories of my pregnancies.  Nonetheless, I am more comfortable now with myself than I was five years ago.

Having a son and a daughter I think it is so very important to stress the importance of loving yourself and breaking the cycle of belittling yourself.  I want Liam and Ava to grow up with a more confident, loving sense of themselves then I did. I wasted so much time and energy on my looks that I know I did not enjoy some opportunities to the fullest. Instead of comparing myself to all of the other girls, I wish I had been able to have the strength to just be.

That is why I am so unbelievably excited to introduce a new concept that Jennifer Sanzo of The Flower City Fashionista launched today. It’s called the #NoMoreLies campaign. This campaign’s goal is to break the cycle of self-hate due to body image. It’s a wakeup call to everyone, men and women alike.  I encourage all of you to share your personal struggles with body image and your commitment to change the next generation by adding your voice to the #NoMoreLies Join here: http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=460585