I recently shared a candid post on Instagram about the body-positive journey I’ve been on for the past 18 months. Learning to love myself as I am hasn’t been easy, but it has been truly rewarding. I typically share photos of my home and thoughts about projects or décor, but I felt compelled to be more vulnerable and open about a personal journey that began in early 2017.
My post sparked so many kind responses from other women who feel the same way—or who are still working on loving the body they have today. Because those messages resonated with me, I wanted to share the full reflection here in case you need a little encouragement to practice self love.
Note: if you’re looking for fresh outfit ideas for fall, I’ve been picking out pieces I love and feeling excited about style again.
Here’s what I shared on Instagram …
I don’t like jumping on bandwagons. It feels odd to post photos of myself trying on clothes because I usually avoid trends and the idea of “everybody’s doing it.” But I decided to set that feeling aside for a meaningful reason.
During 2017 I made significant progress in accepting myself as I am. My whole life I’d wished for different features—skinnier here, less cellulite there, a smaller waist. Then one day I chose to love myself where I am and to treat my body with care simply because it carries me through every single day. It walks me places, helps me move heavy furniture I’ve built with my own hands, and carried two children in my womb. When you really stop and think about it, your body is a gift, so I started treating it like one.
I had stopped buying clothes I liked because I didn’t feel good in them. But when I began to notice women around me who looked similar in size and yet embraced their style, I wanted that confidence for myself. So I tried on clothes again, bought pieces I truly loved, and returned the ones that didn’t make me feel great. There’s no point filling my closet with items I don’t adore.
I made a commitment to show up in my skin for my own life, not to hide until I reached some future goal. That attitude changed everything. I realized you can feel beautiful in the body you have now. No more punishing myself with old, unflattering clothes until I “perform” and lose weight. Weight is simply a detail—not a judgment on whether you deserve new, pretty things.
As a result, I found new wardrobe staples that make me feel confident. Many fashion influencers are a size XS or 0, which isn’t my body type—I wear about a size 16/XL. If you ever wonder whether a look that appears on a very small model will translate to a fuller figure, I hope sharing what I love helps you imagine it on yourself. I won’t turn my Instagram into a fashion feed, but I will continue to share pieces that bring me joy. Maybe they’ll inspire you to find items you love, too.
Today, the outfit I kept coming back to is this one—I absolutely love it.
Jacket // Tank Top // Jeans // Shoes
Moving More & Loving It!
This shift in mindset gave me the boost I needed to start exercising regularly again. It’s amazing how letting go of perfection allowed me to finally tackle habits I’d been putting off.
Previously, I exercised to fit into a smaller size or to hit a specific number on the scale. When I reached that goal, my motivation often disappeared. Now I work out because of how exercise makes me feel. It strengthens my body, boosts my mental health, and improves my mood. I have more energy, I’m less likely to hurt my back, and I simply feel better in my own skin. Those emotional and physical benefits have turned workouts into a steady habit—I’ve been exercising two to three times a week consistently for almost a year.
Have I lost weight because of this routine? No. And I’m not discouraged by that. My goals are no longer only about changing numbers; they’re about feeling strong, healthy, and present in my life. I notice I’m more toned and that my core is stronger—even after two C-sections—so the gains are meaningful even when they aren’t reflected on the scale.
Goals are important, and I still set them, but I’ve stopped letting them dictate whether I can enjoy life in the present. I don’t want to look back on my thirties and regret not truly living because I was always striving to be something else.
If this reflection is different from my usual posts, that’s intentional. I wanted to be honest because I hope it encourages you to embrace yourself as you are. Treat yourself to something pretty, try on the clothes you love, and show up for your life in whatever season you’re in. You deserve to feel confident and comfortable—regardless of the scale or the size tag.
Much love, Laura