"How Not Caring Helped Me"

by Amanda L
(Silverdale, Washington United States)

Growing up I was always told that I was not skinny nor exactly fat, just chunky. Statements like these held me back from going swimming anywhere strangers could see me in my swimming suit. It also held me back from being happy when ever I was around people because I was always worried I couldn't hide my rolls. I would also avoid really dressing up, like putting make-up on, or wearing form fitting clothes. Tank tops were a clothing item I never wore even on the hottest of days because I thought my arms were too thick.

Then one day when I was 16, I was tired of staying in the house and not really doing anything meaningful with my life just because I felt like I did not meet the dress size. So I made a decision that I was going to stop caring about my physical image as much and start caring more about my mental and spiritual well being.

I started spending more time out side in the sun and when it rained I would go do indoor activities like cleaning, scrabble, I even joined an online book club. I even started swimming at my local YMCA, I participated in water aerobics with my family. I also did a lot of hiking. Through all my activities I met more people and became more happy and less insecure.

My life seemed to have much more meaning when I stopped worrying about my self image. I'm now very comfortable in my own skin, and I'am very healthy and still living a very active happy go lucky life style.