loving my body- imperfections and all!

The beautiful and talented Ashley from 2 Eyes in the Mirror is hosting Love Your Body Day- a time for bloggers to reflect on, comment and share what we love about our bodies.  For me, loving my body has been a process so here's my story in a nutshell:

Junior High School was a hard time for me.  I was lanky, had awkward bangs, wore thick glasses and was shy.  I tried to hide behind loose clothing- mostly baggy jeans and itchy sweaters.  Playing competitive soccer was my niche- my escape and my way of fitting in.  I could be myself on the soccer field and loved the feeling of running and being physically active.

Fast foward to High School.  I started wearing contacts, got my hair highlighted and wore braces to fix the gaps in my teeth.  I became interested in heels and clothing and loved dressing up.  I was still playing soccer and exercised several times a week.  I was proud of my body- I loved how I was becoming a woman with curves and a feminine silhouette.

In University I tried to fit in by partying as hard as everyone else was when that's really not me (I'm more of a bookie, art gallery and theatre type of gal).  I thought the only way to feel good about myself was by exposing myself with low cut tops, barely there skirts and wearing lots of makeup.  If a man wasn't giving me attention (even if it was for the wrong reasons), then I didn't feel pretty.  I stopped playing sports, didn't exercise and starting drinking.  I gained a bit of weight and noticed that my metabolism wasn't as good as it used to be.  I became a full-on vegetarian and became anemic because I wasn't eating properly.  I was diagnosed with mild depression and was told by my Dr to exercise as it would release endorphins but I ignored her advice so it became a cycle.  I was depressed so didn't exercise and by not exercising I became more depressed. 

Now, at the age of 23 I've never felt so comfortable (and happy!) in my own skin.  I don't need others to tell me I look good (although I certainly don't discourage it!) because I feel great and that's whats important.  I joined the gym this summer and have been going to the gym at least 4 times a week since, doing step cardio, weight classes, bootcamp and (my personal favourite) Zumba.  My man bought me a bike and we enjoyed many leisurely (and some not so leisurely) bike rides beside the Ottawa river.  I'm hoping to become a Zumba Instructor in the next few months and I've even dabbled with the idea of taking a Fitness Course at the local College.  Let's just say that I'm loving my body these days, sure there are still many things I would love to change but I feel strong, healthy and beautiful and that's what truly matters! 

{Since I work for a lingerie company, part of my job is helping with photoshoots, surrounded by beautiful lingerie models.  It's hard not to be self-conscious around these girls but hey it's the true test!}

Yeehaw! So that's how I'm loving my body today- now it's your turn!