Can't We Just Be Real?

Lulu's Skirt c/o, Black Turtleneck (similar), Rockport Boots c/o, Michael Kors Watch, Kate Spade Bag

A while back I lost some weight by eating healthier and working out, which was really exciting.  But I recently fell off the wagon and gained it all back.  It was incredibly disheartening.  Here's my main problem: I LOVE food.  And unfortunately it's not usually of the healthy variety (more like pastries and pizza).  Combine that with my extreme dislike for exercise and slowly the number on the scale starts to climb.

Anyway, when I first looked at these pictures I really noticed it.  I almost didn't even want to post them.  I don't think I'm obese by any means and I'm not looking for a pity party, but it's just a fact that my clothes are fitting tighter than they used to. I've never had the best self-esteem, so I thought maybe I should try to Photoshop the muffin top and fat rolls off of my body, but then I realized two things:

1) Ain't nobody got time for that.
2) I don't want to pretend to be someone I'm not.

Editing away a few inches isn't going to make me look better in real life.  It's not going to make people like me more and it's not going to make me feel better about myself.  Of course I need to strive to live a healthier lifestyle, but I'm pretty sure it's not healthy to always be worrying about meeting society's often unrealistic beauty ideals.  I've read several articles lately explaining why women should appreciate their bodies after having children and that is definitely something I need to work on.  I've had two kids and they are worth SO much more than a sculpted physique.  It's just hard when we are constantly bombarded with images of skinny women, airbrushed to perfection.  Whether watching television, reading a magazine, scrolling through Instagram, or reading fashion blogs...I bet at some point you've found yourself thinking "wow, I sure wish I looked like that".  Why can't we just be happy with who we are?  Why do we always find it necessary to compare ourselves to others?

There have been times when I've edited pictures a little too much...and to be honest, it made me feel like a phony.  I pride myself on being a down-to-earth, authentic person.   I'm REAL and if I edit away my flaws I'm only contributing to the problem.  It's ok to have some wrinkles.  It's ok to have a little pudge.  It's ok to have a few blemishes.  What's NOT acceptable is refusing to accept and appreciate yourself.

I've decided that my new goal is self empowerment.  I want to embrace and treasure everything that makes me a unique individual, even if that means I can't look like a supermodel.  I want to live my life to the fullest, make good choices and be true to myself...and only I have the power to do so!  As part of their #PoweredByHeels campaign, Rockport shoes is hoping to fill social media with images of women sharing what empowers them each day.  Do you want to be entered into weekly drawings for free shoes and a chance to win an all-expense paid trip for a spa weekend in Miami?  Just share an image on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, illustrating your "Powered By" statement, while showcasing your favorite pair of heels and using the hashtags #poweredbyheels and #sweeps.  I have several pairs of Rockport shoes and they are all super cute and comfy (I'm obsessed with the new tall dress boots I'm wearing), so I definitely recommend entering...the campaign ends October 31st, so make sure to share your image before then!