#CurvesandaCollab: How Angie Got Her Life Back with Introspection & Instagram!

I met Angie shortly after high school graduation in 2006! We met through our mutual friend, Candace, and would have a lot of fun hanging out together. I instantly noted her quiet spirit, and have thought her to be one of the most beautiful and truly kind people I have ever met over the years! I love seeing her embrace herself, and use that power to help others do the same! -S

About a year ago I decided to make a change and start loving myself.

After my last pregnancy, I gained over 30 pounds, and found myself battling with depression. This cloud was present in my life on a daily basis, and I did nothing but compare myself to others. The very low self esteem made me hide from social media for over 4 years! This depression also led to not-so-great eating habits, a bad attitude, and me being very irritated about everything. When I looked at myself in the mirror and all I felt was disgust and I would burst into tears!

I told myself: “This has to change if you want a happy life and a happy family!” I went through phases of telling myself that I would start to live healthier, and care for myself… but it just didn’t happen. Instead, I made excuse after excuse.

One day, I stared at my three little girls, and it dawned on me: I have a family I love, and they don’t deserve the monster I felt I had become. It was a real awakening for me. In that moment, I just made the decision without a doubt.

All I had to do was accept myself, and take care of myself. That is the epitome of loving myself, and being someone my girls could look up to.

I stopped blaming food, and stopped making the excuses. I got up and made the move to change. I had never done a diet in my life, but I became a person who starting her mornings with shakes. I also became interested in the Vegan lifestyle, and began finding ways to incorporate that and other more nutritional food into my life. I started exercising/training at home.

Surprisingly, these changes had me feeling so good, I was compelled to grab my phone and share on social media! Sharing really worked as a means of motivation for me! I live a more natural lifestyle . I practice self care at home, and I’m a full-time mommy and wife. I share my favorite recipe ideas, natural product recipes/tutorials, and general inspirational and informational content on Instagram.

I am happy to say that I feel good! I love the woman I’ve become, and I am here to motivate other women that have gone through low self-esteem, or periods in life where they can’t see past the excuses for why they can’t be better to themselves. We as women are naturally beautiful already, we just need to raise each other up, support each other, and stop competing.

Love yourself!