Thoughts on Essena O'Neill

Before I start, I want to commend Essena O'Neill on realizing how social media was negatively effecting her life and for coming forward with the truth behind her photos. I can see how getting wrapped up in various social media and limelight at such a young age can skew one's vision of the world and of oneself.
I won't go further into her announcement. I respect her. That is that.

Here are my thoughts...
There is a power behind social media that can be used for good. Being honest is something I pride my business and social media on. There are many young and impressionable girls who believe that there are perfect bodies and perfect lives based on what they see online. I used to get wrapped up in it too. I still do sometimes.

But you know what I realized in those moments of envy? I could make a change. I could be different. That is what I set out to do. I wanted to show women around the world that everyone struggles, including me. There are bad days. I have food babies. I have digestion trouble sometimes. I used to binge. I used to starve myself. I used to drink too much to numb myself. I like donuts. I LOVE pizza. I skip workouts some days. I skip workouts some weeks. I don't go on extravagant vacations because I can't afford them. I'm on a budget. I don't own a pair of Lululemon leggings (mainly because I can't justify their price). I feel ugly some days. I look in the mirror and feel fat some days.

While I don't share every single struggle and thought on my social media because that would just be crazy, I do share a lot of it. The highs and the lows. I write out thoughtful captions because I hope people look past the picture and see my words.

My hopes are to continue to be honest with these girls in hopes they will feel less alone in life. I want to be their big sister, their mentor, their friend. I get to connect with people all over the freaking world! I mean, how cool is that?

THAT is why I love social media so much. Not because I hide behind it, but because I use it to show my reality. I refuse to feel guilty for putting my life out there - one gym check-in, bad day, and smoothie bowl at a time.

XO,
​B