I have finally come to a place where I like myself. Where I’m comfortable with that crazy face in the mirror when I look in it. Where I don’t want to cry knowing that face is me.

And it’s been a long hard road.

I’ve been bullied and picked on and broke down so many times since I was a kid, I actually started believing it. I thought I wasn’t thin enough or good enough or smart enough or pretty enough and I spent a lot of time trying to be other people so I didn’t have to be me.

But me is so awesome.

And that was horrible English. Ugh.

But seriously, I’m rad. And being me instead of trying to compare myself to other people is so great. It’s freeing to not have to try and be someone else.

I think a lot of it has to do with Mamavation. And the rest has to do with roller derby.

Because without both of those incredible groups of women, I never would have seen how much easier it is to be yourself. Or had so many people like me for who I am, rather than who I’m trying to be.

And now I feel like I’m writing an infomercial.

So in conclusion, be yourself. Because there’s no one else quite like you, and trying to copy someone else is so exhausting.

Also, here’s a gratuitous photo of me in my roller derby gear. Maybe in a few weeks, I’ll be able to post one of me in my tiny shorts.

PS: I started Couch to 5k today. And it felt really good and I’m going to do it again on Wednesday. And then Friday. And then Sunday.

I actually feel like I could do this and I’m not worried about my knees (my poor left foot is another story) and this does not feel horrible and soul sucking like the last time.

So! More running.

And a picture of me and Chuck. Happy Monday, everybody <3

Thanks to Kim Lincoln for the solo photo and charity:images (no website) for the one of me and Chuck!