I originally posted this as a response in a thread but I decided to repost it in a new thread because I believe it can help encourage other on here as well.

I've had to learn the hard way to not look to other people for approval or confidence.....you said yourself that you look darn good....that's all that matters...yes as human beings we do want others to notice...but the people who make that thier everything are the ones constantly trying to conform to what others think they should be....don't look for outside approval...if you get it you do, and if not then you dont....dont let them drive you crazy..

I've seen people bigger than me who look better than I do....and its not always because of thier physical beauty...its because they know they look good so they dress and act as they do and in turn noone can miss them...everybody turns and looks and takes note of how gorgeous they are....

If you believe you're beautiful the world will too...trust me....remember you're opinion is the only one that matters....and when you happen to have a down day where you feel it's not enough, you know where to find us....Thats why we are here...post a pic and I'll be glad to remind you of how astonishly beautiful you are....but dont let the world bring you down....

THe most successful people are successful because they dont give a rats a** what anyone else thinks....Theres only one person you can count on to always make you smile...yourself...and anyone else is a blessing and a gift that God has given us. I promise you, you are Beautiful...GOd doesnt make anything less than...
I do this for my health and quality of life.... you should too.

Beautiful post! So true. Thanks for posting

Monique

Anytime...

So true! It is so often how you present yourself to the world, and not how the world perceives you. I forget that sometimes, thanks for the reminder! I search so hard for the beauty in others, that sometimes I forget to give the same courtesy to myself.

Yeah me too....I often forget it myself...and i know ther must be other's who go thru the same...that's why i found it important to repost.

Thanks for reposting this. I needed it

I love this..and fully believe it!!

Ditto!

Other than murderous abuse of ellipses, it's a very good point you make

I agree completely!

Lol...it's a bad habit...lol

This post actually hits home for me...I realize that I try to lose weight for the wrong reasons most of the time (how I look to other people etc.) I'm doing it for me, too, but I'd be lying if I wasn't doing it so a certain other person will find me more attractive.

I need to learn to be happy for me and nobody else.

Good luck ladies.

thanks for this!