You know how Facebook will show you photos and videos from past memories? Well the other day I saw one taken the day before my wedding. As I stood there looking at my past self 9 years ago many thoughts came flooding in.

The very first thing I noticed was how skinny I was back then. Not the friends I was with or what I was wearing, my weight. Boy, was I tiny. After life and two babies, I’m nowhere near that size anymore. But the sad thing about all of this is that back then I thought I was so fat. I remember it well. I had gained a lot of weight the year before after quitting dance in college. I hadn’t made peace with my new body. Plus, brides always get bombarded with the pressure of losing a lot of weight before their wedding but things didn’t work out for me. I tried dieting but I don’t think I ended up having much luck. I recall being so embarrassed to be in a size 18 dress. I hate to say that now but its true. I was a size 14 at the time but if you’ve ever bought a formal dress, you know that you normally have to buy a couple sizes up.

My how the times have changed! Little did I know how great I actually looked. Hindsight is 20/20. My point is, every day you waste staring in front of the mirror, telling yourself you aren’t good enough is a lie. You may not see how beautiful you are but I encourage you to try. Chances are you’re not seeing the true beauty others do. I wish I could tell that girl in the middle of the photo how worthy she already was. At least I’m working on doing that now 70lbs heavier.