Ashley

Ever since I was little I was always the “bigger” kid. Through elementary and junior high I would be teased or comments would be made about my size in relevance to my other friends. I usually managed to maintain a high level of self confidence throughout the teasing & comments because I never hated myself, although I did always wish I could be one the “small” girls. My friends could wear cute clothes and look perfect & somehow I never felt the same way about myself. High school actually got better, I started to find “my people” and when you’re surrounded by people who embrace you & make you feel comfortable, it does absolute wonders! Around the time I was 18-21, I experienced some hardships in my family & friendships; those things are never easy regardless of your age. I was in university trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, when really my life felt like an absolute mess. 

I had joined a gym during this time, and along with my best friend, we joined a boot camp. Starting that boot camp was one of the best things to ever happen to me. The woman leading it was the best support you could ask for. My best friend & I decided to jump right into it - I made a complete lifestyle change. I started working out regularly & changed my diet. Initially it was about losing weight but it turned into so much more; I started to not only feel better physically, but mentally as well. Making the choice to better myself helped me through my last 2 years of university, made me a stronger person mentally & physically, and gave me a different type of confidence I didn’t have before. 

Looking back, I’m happy I changed for myself, not because of negative comments or for someone else, just for me.