With the spring comes the annual trying on shorts. The annual seeing a bunch of really fit people who apparently ran 20 miles everyday in the snow during winter look even more fit. Oh and the annual me being hard on myself and increasing my workouts. I actually did workout every single day of this past semester until fall break. After fall break life got insanely busy and I didn’t make it a priority to workout. I’m the type that feels a lot better about myself when I am working out. I’ve learned that I’m never going to have a stupid thigh gap and I’m not going to be a size four. It took years of being hard on myself to realize that. I was making myself miserable by me defining myself through a number on my pants. I wasn’t swimming in public because of my thighs. So within the last year I’ve decided to treat myself better.
I lost weight. I’ve kept it off. However, more importantly I’ve learned to just be happy with the way I am. Healthy and happy with who I am. Sure, there will always be people who are thinner and prettier but that is life. I am here to live my own life. You are here to live your own life, not to be defined by a number or how someone views your body. So go out there and wear a swimsuit. Wear shorts (but for the love of God cover your butt) that make you feel good.
Top: C/O Aeropostale (exact)
Pants: C/O Aeropostale (exact)
Tote Bag: C/O Aeropostale (exact)
Sports Bra: Target (exact)
What do I do to stay active? I walk on campus. I do weights in the gym and loving doing 45 minute bike rides. I’ve found that if I go during my favorite TV shows then the time flies by and I don’t feel guilty for either a) watching mindless TV or b) skip a workout. However, I don’t beat myself up like I used to for missing a workout. I treat myself better and just try harder the next day. So as cliche as it is, seriously, treat yourself better. You are beautiful. You are amazing. You are unique. Don’t beat yourself up for what you haven’t done.
Barbara Bermond
you look nice your tee shirt is cool!!
http://ladyparisienne.blogspot.fr/
Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/)
Great attitude, and you look so cute in your workout gear.
xo
http://pinksole.com
TaraMixandMatch
I love your pineapple top, such a cute look for working out!
Elle Sees
i wear shorts with my swimsuits. ain't nobody need to see my legs! 😉
Kristina
Your workout tee is adorable, I love the back!!
Kristina does the Internets
Jessica
A good workout always makes me feel better and it helps me deal with everyday anxiety! I had to get over the hump of beating myself up when I didn't make it to a workout. Life happens 🙂 You look amazing!! I want that top..NOW
26 and Not Counting
Anna Higgins
Very inspiring! I have had to get over the same thing about beating myself up if I eat one meal thats bad for me or when I did not go workout.
LyddieGal
First of all, how do you make RUNNING look so chic? Second, DOUBLE PINEAPPLE!
Third, I will never have a thigh gap. I may never be 'fit'. You lost weight and are keeping it off. You are amazing!
Chic on the Cheap
Rachel
I definitely beat myself up over swimsuit season, but I'm working on trying to stop. I try to stay active, even if it's just walking at night after work for 40 minutes. It's really all I have time for, anyway. Cute pineapple top!
Julie Cottrell
Girl this attitude is THE best. I wish I would have learned it sooner. Bc here's the truth- even if you do hit those small numbers and workout nonstop, lots if times you're still insecure- it's how your brain has been trained to be- with all the years of fretting over it. It's a vicious cycle. So as long as you're happy in your head- well, that's all that matters, I say ;). And LOVE that pineapple tee!
Darcy
Okay 1. That last picture is so cute. 2. I LOVE the back of this tank. 3. This is such a great post. We need to stop comparing ourselves to other people! I love the quote "The only person you should strive to be better than is the person you were yesterday." I don't know that this quote is really about fitness but I think it applies to it! We just need to be happy with ourselves!
http://www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Haley Valerie
Great post!
Haley
haleyvalerie.com
TheTinyHeart
The pineapple tank is so cute! Love the message of this post not to compare yourself to others and just be happy the way you are, right now!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Ali Hval
Girl, your attitude is awesome and I wish I could have it! I know these feels like no other. I used to have an eating disorder so I know what it's like to struggle with your weight and not be happy with yourself constantly. But you are approaching this in the best way possible–the healthy and happy and rational way. And that's the best step you can take, and that takes SO much to do. So for that, I applaud you from the bottom of my heart. It is really fuckin' hard to do things the right way. REALLY HARD! So you rule, basically. 🙂 From a friendly internet stranger to you, let me tell you that you are an absolutely gorgeous girl with so much going for you. Cute figure aside, you possess incredible wit, so much intelligence, mad writing skills, an upbeat personality, perfectly curly hair, beautiful eyes, a radiant smile I would KILL for, and a positivity that many of us wish we could have. You keep being you, you awesome, fabulous lady.
You are beautiful and that is right. WE ALL SO BEAUTIFUL!
ps) one day we'll have to go on a bike ride together. BIKES ARE MY THANG GIRL
Ladies in Navy
you're beautiful, girl. thank you for a beautiful post. you're so seriously inspirational. 🙂
ladies in navy
Rachel Lynne
I am trying the same… to be kind to myself! And girl, I have never EVER had a thigh gap. Yes I like to call it stupid, not because I think people who have one are stupid, but because I think it is stupid that we should all want one or try to have one? WHY. It is NOT healthy for most women! With that said… being healthy and working out is very important! Not only do I feel good about myself when I work out, it also reduces my stress! And I'm so glad you are happy with who you are, you are beautiful and being you and being healthy is all that matters!
Sonya Mann
Thank you so much for this post. I really needed to read this.
BeautyStyleGrowth
You are too cute. Love the last pic
awhite
Adorable- the pineapple gear is perfect.
It's all about being healthy, doing things in moderation, and being happy. Easier said than done (most things worth it are), but you should be so proud that you've kept the weight off and have found ways to incorporate activity in your super busy sched- that's key!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Melissa (Lovelikejohnnyandjune.com)
Amen, sister!
Inge Jane
Fabulous post, good for you! I've come to the same realizations and I just focus on doing what I can for me, without trying to be somebody else.
P.S. this outfit is so cute!
Amy Shaughnessy
I need this right now. I've been really hard on myself the past few weeks. I have been crazy about working out and have injured both of my ankles and now I can barely walk. UGH.
Amy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
How Gorgeous Jewelry
nicole s.
i love this post, and like many other commenters, i really needed it right now. i've been struggling with my body and health so much lately, and one of the biggest challenges is being in the right mindset when it comes to exercise. i need to do it, but i need to do it for positive reasons, not because i'm beating myself up. i've really loved running at the park by the lake with my headphones in after work lately. it's just relaxing, in addition to being good for my body.
you're seriously one of the most beautiful bloggers and women. i love that you're celebrating yourself, and that you're sharing it with all of us!
xo nicole
writeslikeagirlblog.com
Charnele Michel
That's so great Alissa! I really need to take the time to take care of my body such as sleeping well and eating right because I know it will all catch up to me later on in life. I feel so much better when I eat less junk food and drink more water but its so difficult sometimes not to cave in to what's easy. I'm glad you went on the journey to being your best you!
xo,
http://www.chachathefashiongenius.com/
Citrus - Refreshing Fashion
you ARE beautiful the way you are alissa and i think your message is what brings fans to your page! you help us all see that we can be beautiful just the way we are! love u and ur blog girl 🙂
XO meghan
citrus fashion
Krysten Gautreaux
I really want to get a treadmill BAD. Then I can watch TV and workout at the same time, woot!
by BUN
you've got the right attitude girl – you just can't beat yourself up over fitness. just do something..anything…and you'll feel better. PLUS..when you look good (and I'm speaking to a cute workout outfit here), you feel good! xo
Whitney James
This post was right on time. Thanks for the reminders! I love your work out gear and positive attitude. 🙂
~Whitney
http://www.whitneynicjames.com
tastefulstyle
Great post! I really love this pineapple tee–I'm kind of on a fruit kick this spring 🙂
Kenya Hunter
Great post! Love your attitude! It is so true! It took me years to realize it but I could not agree with you more! And you look super cute in your workout gear btw!
xo, Kenya
emilykeizer
Yes, yes, yes! I love everything this post is about. You look fabulous and your mindset. You're an inspiration, girlfriend!
Nikki
Great post!! Even though I would love to be a size 2, I know that will never be me. After years and years, I have come to accept that and now, it is important for me to be healthy (not skinny). I enjoy exercising and I feel terrible when I don't. I also find that cute work out clothes like these really improve my workouts! You are awesome!!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Maria M
Love this! Great post, and I just so happened to read it at a moment when I needed the reminder, so thank you 🙂
Tea&Sequins
This post is the best! I've come to the point of accepting I'll never be teeny tiny, but I'm still trying to build a better work out routine. Thanks for the inspiration!
Kaitlin
http://www.teaandsequins.com
Elegance and Mommyhood
This post was so good. We should all accept ourselves for who we are and not who we are not. You are beautiful the way you are Alissa. =)
And you look great running. Such a cute pineapple tank and headband. =)
HAPPY HUMP DAY!!
Gina Michele
Great post- exercise is such a mood booster!
Gina Michele
Gina Michele
Alexandra Lif
You look gorgeous! Thanks for the fitness inspiration – Exercise is so good for the mind body and soul!
Hugs,
Alexandra
http://www.mysweetestdisposition.blogspot.com
Danielle Doerr
This is such an inspiring post for me. I totally need to get back into a routine of working out 2-3 times per week. With everything that's been going on this month and now finals, I've totally fallen into a slump.
Also, I love your new workout clothes! Maybe some new clothes will help motivate me…I need new tennis shoes too.
PS: I absolutely LOVE that last photo of you! Whatever song you're listening to is obviously your jam!
Jessica @ Here&Now
Great post! I've definitely come to terms with the fact that we only get one life & this one body to live it in, best to be treating it with love!
xx
Here&Now
Priya
great post, Alissa (and btw- I think you are looking lovely in your shorts these days!) I think it's important to remember- being "healthy" is not associated with any numbers. also I'm glad you're getting a good varied workout- it should be fun! I love riding my bike around, and it counts as exercise so yay!
♥ perfectly Priya