I've got somethin' to say.

I eat gelato. And ice cream. A ton of carb-loaded Thai dishes, too. I don't fit into a size 2, or 6, or 8— size 10 only on a good day. 

(Photo by Eric Wimberly)

People tell me I have nice hair. And eyes. They like that I think before I speak, and take their words seriously every time they choose to speak. I've recently discovered I feel like a Mortal Kombat character while kickboxing (KO, bitches). I go on runs with friends occasionally, and I drop it like it's hot at Hip Hop class every week. My boyfriend says he loves my body. Every curvy inch of it. And I believe him when he says it (with only some resistance).

With all these awesome things I can do with my body, all the kind words people have to say about it, why, pray tell, am I not allowed to like it? Every girl I know is body bashing both herself and the girls around her into oblivion—as if nitpicking and judging others will somehow exempt her from the maelstrom.

"She's totally gained weight since freshman year." 

"My god, I'm such a fat ass!" 

"She's a bitch, but she's soooo skinny!" 

(Karlie Kloss: the latest photoshop scandal published by Numero)

We cling to an unattainable ideal as if reaching it will bring us peace. The reality of the matter? Body acceptance is something we should be able to achieve regardless of if we fit into our skinny jeans. 

When I look into a mirror, I have 2 options:

1. I can pinpoint every square inch of cellulite, decide my thighs are unforgivable; and my tummy, pudgy. 

OR

 2. I can look at myself and think, "Wow. Look how absolutely and irrefutably capable I am of doing whatever the hell I want. I could climb a mountain tomorrow. Or run a marathon (after some training, of course). I could sing, dance, frolic through a fucking field of flowers if I'd like—isn't my body stunning?"

Bottom line? We all have a choice: wait to be Kate Moss-thin to live our lives happily, or choose to be happy right this very second. 

Life is short. I choose happiness (and that second helping of sushi, thank you very much).

-L