The Feel Beautiful Project

A few days ago, I was talking to a friend about our weight. We’re both trying to lose weight this year, and while we were talking, she did something so many of us do – she said something disparaging about herself. This friend of mine is a beautiful person, inside and out, so I immediately said so – and that got me thinking. Why is it that we, as women, are constantly putting ourselves down? Why is our first instinct to put ourselves down, rather than to build ourselves up?

I know I’m guilty of it too. More times than I can count, I’ve said something negative about my body. More times than I can count, I’ve had days that I don’t feel great about myself and it shows on my face, in my words and in my actions. I think body image is something we all struggle with – it’s such a hard thing, especially as a woman.

At the same time, there have been times that I have felt incredible about my body and what it can do. In college, I lost 70 pounds and was at a healthy weight for the first time in my life – that felt amazing. When I first saw my body grow and change while I was pregnant with Abbie, and again when I was pregnant with Ella, I was in awe of the life my body was creating. On the days my girls were born, I am still in awe of myself and the fact I was able to deliver them into the world. Because you know what? Women’s bodies are amazing.

It really got me thinking about our body image and what we as women can do to change these perceptions in the future. As moms of girls, how we can teach our daughters to be proud of their bodies and minds. For the moms of boys, who can teach their sons to respect women and help them feel the best they can about themselves and their bodies, regardless of size.

So I’m launching a little project for myself, and for any of you that would like to join in – Project Feel Beautiful. The premise is simple, and there is only one requirement – finding things that make you feel beautiful.

It could be the way you feel after a workout. It could be looking into your baby’s eyes and making them laugh. It could be getting all dolled up for a night out. It could be almost anything – just anything that makes you feel beautiful. 

To join in, just post with the hashtag #FeelBeautifulProject. I’ve created a new Instagram account and can’t wait to share your stories there and see what makes you feel beautiful!