Overnight I went from the girl seeing her apron belly for the first time, to 38.

I remember looking in the mirror, not just seeing my reflection, but truly seeing my body in a way I hadn't before. It was a moment of stark realization, noticing changes that felt foreign to the younger me. That girl, who once played basketball with glasses and a carefree spirit, would never have imagined the internal battles I'd face over body image years later. But here I am, a woman with dark hair, approaching my late thirties, and finally, truly, embracing the skin I’m in. The journey to self-acceptance, especially around body changes like an apron belly, is rarely a straight path. For so long, I chased an ideal that society, or perhaps my own internal critic, had set. I'd look back at photos of myself as a young girl and almost feel a pang of longing for that perceived simplicity. But then, I remind myself: that young girl was on her own path, and so am I. The woman I am now, at 38, has accumulated experiences, wisdom, and a resilience that my younger self could only dream of. What I’ve learned is that confidence isn’t about erasing perceived flaws; it's about shifting your perspective. It’s about looking at your body, with all its unique contours and history, and saying, “This is me, and I love this me.” For me, this involved actively challenging negative self-talk. Whenever a critical thought about my body popped up, I’d consciously counter it with an affirmation of gratitude for what my body does for me. It carries me, it feels, it lives. That’s powerful. Finding a community, even online, that championed #plussize and #plussizeconfidence was incredibly empowering. Seeing other women share their journeys, their struggles, and their triumphs made me feel less alone. It helped me realize that my experience wasn't unique, and that true beauty radiates from within, regardless of size or shape. It’s about celebrating individuality, not conforming to a narrow standard. Reaching 38 has given me a new kind of freedom. There’s a certain peace that comes with age, a shedding of the desperate need for external validation. I’ve come to understand that my worth isn’t tied to a number on a scale or the smoothness of my skin. It’s tied to my kindness, my strength, my laughter, and my ability to love myself unconditionally. This isn't easy, and somedays are harder than others, but making the conscious choice to nurture self-love has been the most transformative part of my life. It really is a journey to become me, and honestly, truthfully, I love who I've become.