I can NOT believe it’s been a year since the Expose movement started. When I participated I didn’t even realize it was a movement. I was so inspired my Mish’s original post that I immediately wrote my own after reading it. I didn’t even hesitate.
Isn’t there something so powerful and amazing about people with self-esteem? People that don’t allow others to influence who they are or what they want to do. You’ve met people like this. Their self confidence oozing from every pore. It’s not quite ego or cockiness, but an inherent sense of self-respect and confidence.
I always wanted to be one of those people but I thought I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t skinny enough. I wasn’t perfect enough.
Well guess what… I am good enough and so are YOU! Those people we admire so much because of their bodies or self-esteem or confidence also have self-doubt, but the difference is they face their fears. They go after what they want. The live life and they charge it head on.
When I was younger I was jealous of their bodies, but in reality it was only their confidence I really wanted.
Now that I’m 34 it’s much easier for me to see that. My body is what it is and what it always has been…
When I hated myself in college I was in the same body…
At my wedding, same body…
Pregnant with Little Guy, same body…
New mom, same body…
Struggling across the finish line of my first 5k, same body…
A few steps from completing a marathon, same body…
Right now at this very moment, same body…
It was never “perfect” and never will be, but it’s mine and it’s the only one I got.
And you know what? It’s freakin’ awesome! It was always awesome I was just too blind to see it. And right now it’s even more amazing than ever…
because there is a baby in there…
I’ve been fat, skinny, young and if I’m lucky, I’ll get old but in all these states I was and will always be ME and there’s nothing wrong with that.
69 Responses to Exposed: One Year Later
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Sometimes I'll make something and then get obsessed, making it over and over and over again. It happened twice last week. First with The Most Amazing Bowl of Oatmeal EVER! I now have to stop myself from eating it every single morning. I decided to make a deal with myself [...] -
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About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
Oh Roni… darn it. You went and did it again – you got me all teary! Loved your post ;o)
Beautiful post, Roni. Your words are so true. Thank you for this.
Love this! Lucky you that you figured it out early in life. I am 56 and still working on it. I am walking my first 1/2 marathon on Sunday.
Thanks for the inspiration.
You bring happy tears to my eyes Roni!!!
Awesome post, Roni. I had a great time learning about the Exposed movement, too. I had never heard of it. So awesome to see so many women loving their bodies, no matter what negative stuff they see. Your “now” pictures are awesome. You look so happy, so confident.
Roni, first time commenter- congrats son baby #2. You are truly beautiful and radiant and you look so happy and satisfied. I loved your post.
LOVED this post Roni!!!
ur makin’ my cry, girl!
ur makin’ me cry, girl!
You are amazing. You are inspirational and honest and I really apreciate the effort you make to hjel;p all of us out.
Every time I read your blog I become a bigger fan. You rock and I adore you :)
Ronnie, this succession of photos is a great way to put your life on display. You seem to be in a very good place in life and you are truly an inspiration to all those out there who are uncomfortable with their bodies. Thank you for that!
What a great post. You go girl. Love following along with you. Keep doing what you do, which is inspire others.
WOW – you are amazing. I love the post and I love you. You have changed my life :)
I really enjoyed seeing and reading what you have went through and your journey, I have always struggled with my self esteem even when I was skinny I never realized my worth, it took me 10 years to realize that I had to love me first..now I gained about 70 pounds and Im working on it and readign your story is a huge encouragement..thank you!!!
This is very inspiring. You really help put things in perspective. Thanks!
Thank You for many reasons why I opt not to say. But for importantly thank you to letting me know that I can get off this idea that motherhood gave me this body and I have no other choice but to live with it.
Wow – I’m moved and inspired. Thank you. You’re right!! Thanks for sharing.
This was very moving and inspiring, thank you for sharing xx