When I was about 7 or 8, I began my "awkward" phase. I was taller (than most everyone in my classes), had braces (way before anyone else) and was bigger (had extra weight) than your average child my age. To give you more perspective on me, my parents are gorgeous human beings. My Dad is a real man, who stands at 6'3" and played ball growing up. My Mom is a beautiful, blond native Texan. I am the oldest of three to my younger brother and sister. My brother played baseball his entire life, and after graduation became and model/actor. My sister is a fun, loving free spirit who has such a huge heart. To sum up my family, they are beautiful, talented and loving all in their unique ways.
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My parents. I mean...c'mon! |
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The family celebrating my parent's 30th Anniversary (August 2014)! |
Blair and I doing what we do best...goofing off! And yes, that's a puka shell necklace. |
That's me on the left. |
During my Sophomore year at Auburn, I remember returning to school after Christmas break and setting a goal for myself, "I will workout three times a week." Simple. Something in me had changed. I knew that no longer wanted to be the "fat" girl. I was tired of feeling like people were judging me before they even got to know me. I was tired of feeling like I wasn't good enough. I was tired of feeling unworthy. So, I started working out three days a week. The exercising was a good outlet for me. It was a time in my day that I could listen to the music from my iPod, not the voices in my head. After my Sophomore semester, I transferred back home and finished up my undergrad degree at Kennesaw State University.
It sounds funny to say, but working out led me to believe that anything was possible. I began interning in Atlanta at several local/national television affiliates. My self-confidence was at an all time high! Upon graduation, I received a job opportunity I had only dreamed of...working at the MLB (Major League Baseball) Network. Living in the Big Apple, I began to cook for myself. It finally started to click that you are what you eat. Yes, it is great to workout, but that food should be used as fuel! And that's where the combo of fitness and food blossomed!
For me, it's all about a lifestyle (as I've mentioned several times before on my blog). In the words of another Kelly, Kelly Osbourne, she said in an interview, “I’ll always be a FFP (Former Fat Person).” She continues describing her daily struggle with self-image. “When you see yourself in a certain way, that never changes. People who are larger, and then lose weight, will always look in the mirror and see themselves as the fat girl no matter what happens.” This is EXACTLY how I feel. Now versus the cruel words like "fat," "ugly," or "gross," I hear "skinny," "beautiful," and "gorgeous." But like the other Kelly (Osbourne) said, you will always see yourself as the former girl.
Thanks to my trainer, Kendall, and eating healthy majority of the time...I've never felt better! |
I hope you too can one day believe the same: that you are strong and beautiful. And no matter where you are in your journey, know that you are enough!
Kelly
Kelly - this post is simply amazing! I'm in awe of you and VERY inspired by what you shared. You are incredibly brave and eloquent. Congrats on being a badass. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
ReplyDeletePeachtree Roadies
Aw, thanks! It's such a huge part of who I am today. I hope that my journey can give a glimmer of hope to those who struggle with the same issues. At the end of the day, we need to build each other up #girlpower
DeleteThank you for sharing your story Kelly! You are awesome!
ReplyDelete- Emily
Thanks, Emily! I feel like my story is something we can all relate to in some way. Thanks for reading it :)
DeleteHow am I just now stumbling upon this post? Thank you so much for being vulnerable and putting yourself out there. This is an incredible story of a life-long journey. I'm so glad to have met you and know such an awesome, beautiful from the inside out person.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sweet words! This is such a big part of my life, that I wanted to share it with everyone. And if it can help one person know that it's going to be OK, then that makes me happy. So grateful that I met you, too!
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