Back then I chased skinny…
Back then, I thought the goal was skinny.
I believed happiness lived in a smaller body, a smaller size, a smaller me.
But somewhere along the way, I learned something bigger: Shrinking doesn’t create fulfillment.
Now, I chase what actually matters.
Strength in my body.
Peace in my mind.
Joy in my everyday life.
Movement isn’t about punishing myself anymore.
It’s about honoring myself.
And that shift? That’s what changed everything.
If you’re in the place I once was, hear this:
You don’t have to spend your life chasing “small.”
You’re allowed to chase a life that feels full. 💛
I know how it feels to stand in front of the mirror and pick apart every 'flaw.' For years, I obsessed over my stomach, convinced a 'big belly' meant I wasn't good enough. Or maybe you've felt your chest was disproportionate, making you self-conscious about everyday clothes. These feelings are so common, and they steal so much joy, leading us down paths of constant comparison and self-criticism. Like many, I used to chase skinny, believing a smaller size would magically unlock happiness and solve all my problems. But that pursuit was exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling. It was a constant battle against my own body, a relentless cycle of restriction and disappointment. The turning point came when I realized shrinking myself wasn't the path to peace or genuine contentment. Instead, I started to chase peace – peace with my body, peace with my mind. This wasn't about ignoring health or giving up on feeling good; it was about shifting my focus from external ideals to internal well-being. It meant reframing movement not as a punishment for what I ate, but as a celebration of what my body could do. I began to chase strong, finding immense satisfaction in feeling capable and energetic, rather than just 'light.' Functional fitness became more important than a number on the scale, and the feeling of my muscles working became a source of pride, not an indicator of 'bulk.' This new perspective brought so much more joy into my life. When you stop fighting your body, you free up so much mental space and energy. I learned to appreciate my body for its resilience and ability, not just its appearance. It allowed me to enjoy life's moments more fully, without constant self-criticism lurking in the background. My focus shifted from what my body looked like to what it felt like and what it allowed me to *do*. One thing that helped me immensely was practicing mindful movement. Instead of pushing through workouts I hated, I found activities that truly brought me joy – dancing around my living room, long walks in nature, gentle yoga, or even just stretching. I also started challenging those negative self-talk patterns. Whenever I caught myself thinking 'my belly is too big' or 'I wish my shoulders were smaller,' I'd pause and remind myself of my body's strengths and all the incredible things it allows me to experience. It's a continuous practice, but it gets easier with time and patience. Finding clothes that fit and flatter my current body also made a huge difference in how I felt day-to-day. It’s about dressing for confidence and comfort, not for an imaginary 'ideal' size that may never truly bring happiness. If you're on a similar journey, remember: you're allowed to let go of the pressure to be 'small.' You're allowed to chase peace, chase strong, and chase joy in a way that feels authentic to you. Your worth isn't tied to your size or any perceived 'flaw.' It’s about cultivating a life that feels full and abundant, inside and out. It’s a journey, not a destination, and every step towards self-kindness and acceptance is a monumental victory.