I like me.

Shoes: Seychelles via eBay / Leggings: F21 $4 / Dress:  Thrifted $7 / Cardigan: Thrifted $5
Bag: via eBay $5 / Watch: Lucien Picard via eBay $75 / Ring: Nordstroms

Anyone who has followed my blog for a while knows how much I believe that every man, woman and child should be able to feel comfortable in their own skin. During my studies, I came across article after article that talked about how damaging our culture's unrealistic expectations can be on an individual's perception of themselves. We need to change the way we think about ourselves. They way we think about our beauty, value and place in the world.

So it is a little hard for me to admit that one of the hardest things about this pregnancy for me to deal has been the physical changes I've been experiencing.

My boobs look like a war zone. I can't do any of my pants up, let alone get them over my hips (which will never again be quite like they were before pregnancy). My legs have been permanently burned red, my ankles are starting to swell, and I don't really remember what is was like to not have a bloated belly.

But, instead of being grateful for all these changes and what they represent, I've been frustrated by them.

So, I needed a reminder that I like me. Swollen belly, ankles, boobs and all. Beauty isn't and shouldn't be defined by what you look like, but how you allow your experiences to shape and define you.

 Regardless of weight, skin tone, age, or pay grade, you should love yourself for who you are, as you are.

So, I'm renewing my commitment to like myself, just as I am, right this moment.

If you want to commit with me, you can join this list. Commit to celebrating yourself, your uniqueness, your difference,  your talents; you. Commit to really appreciating yourself as you are and trying to avoid comparing yourself to anyone else.

I like you, and you should too.

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More BDG...

a reminder.

In the middle of being buried by contracts and projects for work, and revising an article for re-submission the last few days, I came across this on Pinterest, and it made me smile, so I thought I'd share.

here

I figure we call always use a little reminder. :)

I like me.

My friend Simini shared this video with me, and it was just to to perfect, I had to share!

We all deserve to feel good in our own skin, so link up, and spread the word! The goal of this group is to celebrate and appreciate yourself for what you are! Instead of comparing or putting yourself down, what do you like about yourself? Recognize the good in yourself, and you'll inspire others to do the same.

1. Link up
2. Take a moment to think about what you like about yourself. This is a commitment to find the best in yourself, so take it seriously.
3. Put up a button to identify yourself with the group (not required)

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I like me.

I like my smile and my squinty eyes.

I like the way my nostrils flare when I laugh.

I like that my favorite number is 3. 

I like my curled and frizzy hair. 

I like that my body is strong and capable.

I like the way my mind looks at problems. 

I like my thirst for knowledge.
I like that I can sing.

I like the dinner I made for my hubby. (anything that's not pasta roni is always a treat).

I like me.

We all deserve to feel good in our own skin, so link up, and spread the word! Instead of comparing or putting yourself down, what do you like about yourself? Recognize the good in yourself, and you'll inspire others to do the same.

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I like me.

Some of you may have read in the past my "I'm a natural beauty" posts. I've decided to make a shift in the cause, to make it a more clear and direct message about promoting healthy self worth. I'm sorry if you were already on the "I'm a natural beauty" list, I hope you will all re-link here! These are my thoughts:

There are too many things in this world that bring people down: unrealistic beauty ideals and ridiculous comparisons; standards and molds that if you don't fit into, people look at you funny and wonder "what is wrong with you?"

This makes me sad.

 Regardless of weight, skin tone, age, or pay grade, you should love yourself for who you are, as you are.

So, by joining this list, you are committing to like yourself. Not just liking yourself, but celebrating yourself, your uniqueness, your difference,  your talents; you. You are committing to really appreciating yourself as you are and trying to avoid comparing yourself to anyone else.

Show your commitment and identify with the group by putting one of these little buttons on your blog sidebar, and  make a practice of writing and noticing things that you like about yourself, and why you like being you. Promote your own healthy self worth, and we can inspire others to do the same!

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