Well, lately I have been subjected to a certain amount of self-empowerment; I must say that it feels GREAT!!

In the past, I have been a lady of awkwardness, self-consciousness, and doubtfulness. When in high school, I was a size 5, 105 lbs. At 5'11" that is quite a thin stature. Just to give you an idea; I measured 32-26-30. I was teased mercilessly for being a 'toothpick', 'beanpole'; you get the point...

Then came the kids. After pregnancy, I developed some curves I never thought I'd ever have. I gained A LOT of weight and went from the tiny size 5 to a whopping size 18! I topped out at 205 lbs. When I looked in the mirror, I hated what reflected back at me. But rather than sit on the pity-pot and accept my fate, I decided to get my ass up and shrink myself back down as close to my original size as possible.

Through the course of this transformation, my spirit went through a series of ups and downs and somewhat like a cocooned caterpillar I emerged a beautiful butterfly. I realized that for my frame that the size I was in high school was highly unlikely, and quite frankly; unhealthy. Now I am a bouncing 135 lbs, I measure 36-30-38 and feel more healthy and confident than I ever have in my entire life!

Sure I carry a little extra padding around now, but I truly feel completed. Plus, I catch the boys eyes all the time. ;) ( I have even caught younger guys checking out my curves before). It is very empowering to know that I am HOT. In my estimation, there is not a damn thing wrong with embracing your sensuality. Too many women have such negative body images, and it makes me so upset. I know so many beautiful girls, (both inside and out) but when they look in the mirror, all they see is ugliness. I understand how that feels because I have been on both ends of the 'weight' spectrum.

So, ladies with curves, embrace them! Believe me when I tell you that there are girls out there that are a willow-y 32-26-30 that yearn for more curves. Keep in mind that true beauty lies within your soul, and not outwardly. True beauty is an essence, is something that shines from the inside out. Also know that throughout all history women that where considered to be HOT had curves. (Think Bettie Page, Dita Von Teese, Marilyn Monroe, etc).

That is not to say that I am condoning arrogance. There is a difference between confidence and arrogance, although the lines between the two are often blurred. Many people mistake confidence for arrogance and vice versa. It is just up to YOU how you find YOUR definition of confidence.

So, next time you look in the mirror, girls, and all you see is ugly, look yourself in the eyes and say, "I AM BEAUTIFUL" then turn your back on that negative self-image. The more you do this, the better you will grow and nurture the beautiful goddess in you and eventually you will see the beauty that has always been there, but was clouded by that negative self-image.

If that doesn't work, just try and remember that even things that are flawed are considered to be beautiful. That is the belief that helped me the most.

In conclusion: Girls with curves RAWK! Embrace your curves, because the only one that can love you the best is YOU!