Welcome to the Jungle.

and if you grow up thinking what you want is never important, that you always have to put others first? you’ll slowly be destroying yourself trying to make everyone else happy.

so teach your children their feelings are important. teach your children to take care of themselves. teach your children it’s okay to be selfish.

Fact: People lie. They’ll tell you “You’re perfect the way you are.” “You don’t need to change a thing. You’re already beautiful.” “Every size is beautiful.” 

They’re lying.

Fact: People treat you nicer when you’re thin. People find you attractive when you’re thin. People actually ask you out when you’re thin. 

Fact: Society is nicer to skinny people. Fashion looks better on skinny people. The world is easier for skinny people.

Fact: I know this from personal experience. 

When I dropped 10lbs, my brother’s best friend finally acknowledged my existence and asked me out. I said no.

When I dropped 20lbs, my ex wanted us to give it another shot. I said no.

When I dropped 30lbs, an old crush asked for my phone number. I said no.

Fact: If someone didn’t want you before, they don’t deserve you after. You’re worth more than that.

Don’t do it to please someone else. Don’t do it to make someone want you. 

Do it because you deserve to be happy in your own skin. Do it because your opinion of yourself is the only one that truly matters. 

Do it because you have been through so much. You have sacrificed so much and been so strong. You deserve this. 

Fact: It will hurt. It will be difficult. It will take time. Anything worth having always will. But don’t give up. You can get there. You will get there.