#shareyourspark

My AKA-in-Training #2. Turning it 🌟gold🌟for childhood cancer awareness. #ShareYourSpark #SME (at Sugar Land, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cimo5gaOTl7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

An early #MerryChristmas gift to me from me ... a GORGEOUS custom WISH wrap from @momentumjewelry ❤️ I LOVE IT!! ❤️🎄❤️ #findyourspark #shareyourspark #liveinspired #onwardever #joyfulmiles https://www.instagram.com/p/BrA_WPeBZ9N/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7gwb6jvnnbk1

My name is Anna Grey. I am #AerieREAL. This is the #ShareYourSpark movement.  I developed Anorexia Nervosa at a mere 10 years of age. I started my 5th grade year at a height of 5'5.5" and a weight of 100lbs. Over the course of 7 months, I dropped down to below 70 lbs.  I was an enthusiastic and dedicated actor and dancer from a young age. I became convinced that I would be successful on my artistic path if and only if I looked like the women I saw in my favorite films/television shows and on stage in my favorite dance companies. Unparalleled beauties and dynamite artists they were. I, too, wanted to be gifted, but did not truly comprehend that talent is not a body size. I began to define my worth as an artist based solely on my weight. I believed my beauty and talent would grow as my body got smaller. “Beauty” and “worth” became synonymous with “skinny,” and I wanted to be skinnier. I collapsed following the first day of 6th grade. A few days later, I found myself in a treatment program where I spent the next three months of my life learning, growing, and fighting for my health. (Thank you to my incredible and resilient parents for fighting with me every step of the way. They invested so much of their time, energy, love, and compassion in helping me overcome my illness. I am forever grateful.) Even after being discharged from the hospital, my work was far from over. Self-love is a lifelong pursuit. You have to fight for it every day. Almost 6 years after my battle with Anorexia, I can honestly say it has been quite a journey getting to a place of love and confidence in my body and soul. To be standing here today, alive and breathing, healthy and happy, wholeheartedly pursuing my passions - modelling and acting, partnering with Aerie in the #ShareYourSpark movement; all of these gems fill me with utter joy, utter amazement, and utter gratitude. So, what is my spark? If I could spread a morsel of empowerment to another human being, what would I say?  Embrace the utter uncertainty of life and find the beauty in it. Find the beauty in YOURSELF, because it radiates from every inch of you.  Share your spark and spread some of the #AerieREAL love.

#NORETOUCHING on this photo cuz we #aeriereal! Don't forget to #shareyourspark today my babes!👌🏾💯💥

I need a gangsta... Guten morgen! this was an outtake photo but I genuinely love it! Black and white is always a good route to go ⚪️⚫️ #everyBODYisbeautiful #ShareYourSpark #FlauntThatShit

The new @aerie campaign is out. It's called #ShareYourSpark and it should encourages women of all ages (and sizes) to share their stories on social media to inspire and empower others. THOUGHTS? With @iamiskra

Hey you, you're pretty dang cute! 😉 @aerie has challenged me to share my spark and that's my message for all you lovelies out there - you're special, beautiful, smart, and cute as a button, friend! What would you say to empower another? 💛🙌🏻 Lets spread that #AerieReal love together! (P.S. Milo approves of my new sunny bralette and #shareyourspark tank even if he's covering it up a bit....evening walks just got comfier!) #aeriepartner

I'm so happy to be a part of the #aerieREAL movement with all of these amazing babes! Being a part of a campaign with no retouching was pretty nerve wracking at first, especially as someone with scoliosis. But, just as I learned to turn all of the negativity towards my dark skin into positivity - in the same way I learned to love my body, for every abnormal curve and love handle. Remember your body is unique to you, and it's the only one you've got. Screw societal standards of beauty and change the conversation. It's not about attaining perfection, it's about being the best version of yourself, FOR yourself. 👊🏾👯💥 #shareyourspark