Growing up, I was a happy and confident kid until told by others that I had reasons not to be. I internalized their messages about needing to change my body, which led me down a dark path of disordered eating, excessive exercise, and self-hate. I wanted to change my body so badly until I realized that trying to change my body was the thing making me the most unhappy. I changed the narrative in my head from wanting to look differently to accepting myself. I started appreciating my body and taking care of it by honoring my wants and needs. I learned to love and accept EVERYTHING about myself, including my body which reclaimed my confidence.