Take a look at the nearest female magazine, Instagram, Facebook ads and Snapchat. Chances are, on some page or advert somewhere, you will spot a title close to this:

“Get that Summer Body you’ve always dreamt of!”

“1o ways to lose that spare tyre now!”

“Plus Size and Fabulous”

“Why plus size is the new size zero”

Well, there’s just one problem. I’m not skinny or “bikini-ready”. Neither am I large enough to celebrate my “plus-sizeness”. I have stomach rolls and flabby arms, but fit into a size 6. Love yourself, but don’t gain weight? Are those my only 2 choices?

Growing up in a world of ballet classes and dance CCAs, I had always been on the softer side, and if I was honest, one of the fattest in the class. I was overweight in Primary School (back when it was called TAF Club) and although I eventually did lose some of the weight, in my mind, I was always The Fat One. Even in my adult life, I worked in the Entertainment Industry, and was surrounded with beautifully proportioned people 24/7. Free size NEVER fit me – it was either too long or too tight. Unhealthy diets would flit in and out of my schedule, and I was never satisfied.

It took me many years to realise that the “average” shown in media is NOT the real average. Average comes in all shapes and sizes. There is no one body type that is AVERAGE. I’ve learned to accept my curves and that I will never look like the “fitspo” models. That even the hottest celebrities have body issues, and no one is 100% satisfied with themselves.

I will always have an issue with the image I see in the mirror. “If I lost a little weight here, I would be happy.” But there is a difference with hating your reflection, and loving yourself while working towards your goal. You are still improving, but embracing yourself and celebrating your improvements every step along the way.

At the end of the day, You do You

.