This is definitely one of those topics that is a deeper conversation for many of us about marketing and how women are targeted to feel “less than.” Sigh. But I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, mostly because Connor is about to turn eight, and that’s when I first started feeling like I needed to change my look.

This summer I was running through the sprinklers in the backyard with my best friend Carrie, who was a skinny bean. (Side note, do kids still run through the sprinklers? Hmmm.)

In retrospect, I was also a skinny kid, but at the time I remember wondering if my stomach was sticking out; suddenly the rainbow one-piece swimsuit I’d spent days running around in felt like it wasn’t doing me any favors. It was the first time I felt something was wrong with my body, which is why it stands out so vividly in my mind.

I wish I could go back in time and hug this little eight year old Karen! She really didn’t know any better and could use a gentle conversation about how all bodies are shaped differently and how beautiful hers is.

Anywho, how old were you when you first felt this way? And if you want to write a kind note to this version of you, please feel free to do so.

Your friendly beauty addict,

Karen

PS TGIF. I hope you have a great day!