Some days I really struggle with feeling pretty. Attractive. Desirable. The idea that pretty has one singular definition feels like it’s locked tight within my mind. Sometimes it feels like no matter what I do, no matter how far I progress in my journey, I can’t seem to chisel away at this. Desirability always meant being thin and achieving male approval. And trying to realize that you can in fact find it without either? It’s new. It’s an uphill battle, especially when we’re still fed the former. Don’t get me wrong: we don’t owe anyone pretty. And we’re sure as hell more than just being pretty. But some days I just want someone to tell me I’m pretty. Desirable. I feel like I need it in order to really believe it. And the truth is, since gaining weight, there are a lot of days where I don’t feel it. I don’t know where I’m really going with this. I guess just that this once again proves the journey to confidence or self love is never really done and that we’ll always have things we need to work through. It’s about resilience, I suppose. Encountering a hill and not giving up or giving in just because it might be easier in the moment. Sometimes taking the path of resistance results in the greatest reward. 📷 @meghanbond.photography