Mirror, Mirror...

[gilded_masquerade]

So for the past few months I'm really struggling to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I'm not a big a girl...in fact I was actually pretty emaciated a year ago from lack of eating and smoking poppers (weed and tobacco) which makes you lose weight and pretty fast.

So I put weight back on, but now I'm uncomfortable. My thighs (in my opinion) are huge, when I walk they rub together and I have these ugly red stretch marks on the insides of my thighs from my pelvis to my knees and it makes me think that I'll never be able to wear shorts or going swimming ever again.

As much as I would like to get rid of the both of them (size of thighs and stretch marks) it's proving to be pretty hard. I've been using bio-oil for the marks that hasn't done much, and I've been working out (been kinda slacking lately) but there isn't much change there, if anything my thighs are getting bigger.

So now I'm just trying to accept myself and my flaws, but it's really hard for me. I've always had a low self-worth or image of myself so it's hard to move past. Some days I'm okay and others I'm not.

I still would like to continue trying to change those things, for me, not for anyone else but at the same time id like to learn how to be comfortable in my own skin.

But I lack the knowledge or practice on how to go about that...

(I wasn't sure if I should post a picture...I actually am anxious about even posting it but maybe in someway it'll help me be a little more confident with myself. I'm wearing shorts I promise!)

[Plummy93]

I feel the same about my thighs (and other parts). I’m working out and I try to eat healthy, but I get discouraged easily because I want it to show straight away. So I’m just doing my best to keep going and try to say nice things to myself on the mirror.

I don’t really have any tips for you, I just wanted to say I feel the same way

[Kylie55]

The stretch marks will lighten up and practically fade away after I had my daughter my stretch marks were purple now you can barely see them (she’s three) you would be surprised how many people have them it is nothing to be ashamed of!

[Hidden]

Hi Gilded!

For me, it has taken many years to truly feel comfortable in my own skin. I think it’s a combination of many things. Finally squashing negative self-talk most of the time, caring less and less about what the world thinks of my outward appearance, learning not to talk negatively about myself, learning how to accept compliments graciously and favorably, and the list goes on! I’m not interested in making friends who are fixated on appearances, but fixated on who I am inside and what I bring to the friendship. Your body is just a shell with fascinating attributes to discover on the inside! Hugs!!

[gilded_masquerade]

Thanks everyone, I've just struggled with my appearance for a long time and when the stretch marks appeared it made me feel a little more self-conscious...but thank you all for the help!

[Tiffa]

I understand how you feel. To this day, I can't wear shorts, short dresses/skirts or go anywhere near a swimming pool.

You're doing great! Posting a picture is a big step

[gilded_masquerade]

As cliche as it is, seeing all these super thin girls makes me feel worse. I know, I shouldn't compare but I guess that just goes to show how shot my self-esteem/perception of myself is.

I'm trying to think of myself as a healthy weight in comparison to how I was, but it's extremely hard some days.

I'm trying to feel okay in my skin, but it's a hell of a fight aha.

And yeah, I was nervous to post the picture, still am slightly embarrassed to know I actually posted it 🙈

Thank you everyone, it means so much

[Hidden]

Hi,

I understand what you are going through. I struggled for years embracing my thighs and it took a lot of strength to go swimming and wearing shorts. Your thighs are just as beautiful as any other thighs. It helps when you wear a pretty skirt or shorts in public more often because you start to embrace them and get used to them. Try suppressing the negative talk and instead, think of positive things about your legs such as "My stretch marks are beautiful." You can kick the bad thoughts out! Sending much love & hugs to you. <3

[gilded_masquerade]

That thought alone makes me nervous aha but I'll try it whenever I work up enough nerve. I've been wearing dresses lately (which is also new to me, I was a strictly jean girl) but ones that are long enough to at least cover my thighs. But thanks again for the help, I'll be sure to give it a shot!