#EMBRACEYOURBASE

Hey all! Today I was showing a kid a picture of me in Scotland because he told me it was his dream to go to Scotland and Ireland some day. After I showed him the picture he said “that’s not you” I said yes it is, you don’t think it looks like me? He responded “ nope, you look more fat now than you do in this picture” My first gut reaction was to say something along the lines of... “well that’s not very nice” but instead I held back and said “well you’re right, I have gained some weight” it really caused me to reflect on my life, and my health. I feel like in today's world being a plus size woman is becoming more widely accepted, and there is more of an awareness. I’m thankful for the growing plus size brands, and styles. Doesn’t everyone deserve to feel beautiful?! Now I don't want this to come across the wrong way, because I feel like body love and body positivity Is extremely important! However, I don’t feel like unhealthy lifestyles should be celebrated. I believe strongly that you should Love the body your in, and to be where your feet are. Especially being comfortable with yourself, and comfortable in your skin is something that every single person hopes for, and deserves. I've struggled with my weight for most of my life, and I sometimes get into really good exercise routines, and healthy diet routine's where I've made great lifestyle changes, and I see great results from that. Then on the other hand I go through moments where I've chosen to make unhealthy lifestyle choices, and not exercise or not take care of my body. I have never really struggled with hating myself or being uncomfortable in my own skin I do however go through phases where I am disappointed in the choices I’m making. I'm more tired, my body is sore, and my body craves junk. There are things that I want to change, but I'm not under the illusion that it's anyone else's fault, and I take responsibility for the way I’m feeling. Being healthy 100% of the time takes a lot of time, preparation, dedication, and effort. As you all know sometimes in our lives with our crazy hectic schedules healthy living feels impossible and AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT! One thing I struggle with when I hear is when people assume that "skinny" or "thin" people have it easy or they they eat healthy. Or when people say stuff like you’re skinny so you don't understand. It's not fair for anyone, of any body type to make assumptions. We each struggle, we all make poor eating choices, some of us get lazy, and some of us never sit, and to the world we may look like all we do is sit all day. Body empowerment is taking care of the gift we've been given. (Our beautiful bodies) Trying to be healthy, and looking for opportunities to improve should be celebrated. It's hard not to compare ourselves with those around us, but the truth of the matter is most everyone on this planet has a list of things they're working on. Your happiness lies within you, and that my friend is exciting! You yourself have the power to be exactly who you want to be because you're all perfectly amazing just as you are. Change is important, growth is important, healthy living is important, and I know for a fact that every single one of you is doing exactly all you can do right now... and if you knew how to do life any better you would be. Love you all! Be nice to yourself and be supportive of others! Be a light. Celebrate the things you struggle with most. You're all beautiful. Xoxo Stefani Nicole.

Below are two pictures one from last summer and one from this summer. I felt beautiful in both of them. My body however didn't feel the same. I'm recommitting myself to my health, To try a little harder everyday. If you'd like to join me in my "do a little better each day" while "still #embracingyourbase I'd love to hear your own journey. use the hashtag #embraceyourbase to show me what you're up to! Love all of you beautiful humans!

LAST SUMMER VS THIS SUMMER #EMBRACEYOURBASE