The Body Positive Tribe

So, to start things off--I want to say just a few quick things about social media. I've had multiple conversations lately with people in regards to the toxicity of social media, being 'obsessed' with it, etc. I'll just say, I don't disagree with any of it. However, there are a lot of powerful things that you can do with social media too. For instance....

• Where else can you connect with HUNDREDS/THOUSANDS/MILLIONS of people that may be going through similar situations as you? Where can you turn at literally any second and ask for help, support, guidance...? Where?
• Where can you easily find positive influencers that you can relate to and that whom of which have a valuable opinion (at least from your perspective)?

For me, since my journey of starting to be more of a open book person, blogging, and vlogging, I have connected with SO many truly PHENOMENAL individuals. I've also changed a lot of what I follow and look for on social media. Because like I said, I don't disagree that it can be toxic--I found myself (and still do from time to time) caring about what's public and what's not, pictures, frequency of posts etc...this is especially easy to do in relationships. Always feeling like if something isn't on social media, it's a secret or there's more to it than that. Which is the case sometimes, but certainly not always...and I know I'm not alone in that paranoia. 

So back to how I've changed my habits--I've started following a lot influencers. Mostly body positive bloggers, other moms that are on a journey to finding self-love, fashion bloggers, amazingly talented photographers, and food/nutrition bloggers. I've also recently become an ambassador for Just Strong, which has been awesome as well--a brand promoting both physical and MENTAL health for women.

One of my favorite finds from my social media overhaul has got to be @thebirdspapaya on Instagram. I can relate to her on so.many.levels. She's a mom, struggled (notice the past tense there) with loving her body after having children, she's been divorced but has successful found love again and is happily married, and she's a total body positive BADASS WOMAN. Yesterday, she shared another stunning image of herself, but covered it in words she would use to describe herself and, she challenged us to do the same. So...that's what I'm here to ask you to do. Share a vulnerable picture of yourself, but find all the good in you. Write those words all over that picture. See how amazing and beautiful you are. For me, I feel like sharing something like that is so vulnerable and like ripping a band-aid off. But it helps me. It helps me know I'm not alone, that others are on this journey with me. 

I shared yesterday a picture of my beautiful daughter, Delaney Vaughn. I hope someday, she looks up her mom and see's that I've tried to be a positive role model for her. That I encouraged women to love their bodies no matter what, and that we're in this together. Until then, I will continue to lean on all of you and help build each of you up in the process. 

If you'll stand with me and share your own version, be sure to tag me @themeistermanuscript so I can see what words you've used to describe yourself. 

Sending lots of love & hugs to you all today.

P.S. In my photo, I have zero make-up on, my hair isn't done, I have a sinus infection, and I was trying on bathing suits in agony trying to decide what the hell I'm going to wear on vacation. Real & raw. #ripthebandaidoff