Hello lovelies,

I've been on a bit of a personal journey lately that I wanted to share with you all. For a while, I shied away from the camera because, truth be told, I wasn't too confident about my body.

I often found myself receiving comments from people, especially when I went back to Thailand. It's as if everyone there remembered the younger version of myself—the one who could devour snacks around the clock, guzzle a liter of Coke daily without a care, and still be very slim. But guess what? Times change, and so do our bodies. I'm not getting any younger, and my body has undergone its own transformations.

From a young age, I've been subjected to conflicting views. When I was slim, I faced criticism for being too thin. Yet, when I gained weight and achieved what society considers a standard size, the narrative shifted to labeling me as overweight. It's a perplexing paradox that has left me feeling as though I can never meet the elusive standards set by societal expectations.

Living in Sweden has been a game-changer in this regard. Here, people rarely comment on others' appearances; it's almost a taboo subject. In contrast, my experiences back in Thailand, and I'd wager in many other Asian countries, have been quite different. It's almost second nature for people to discuss and comment on each other's bodies, especially during greetings. I understand it's a cultural thing, and most of the time, they don't mean any harm. But the impact can be surprisingly profound. It took me many years to truly embrace and love my body again.

In the circles of those close to me, it's likely that they've heard me complain countless times about my perceived weight issues. Strangely, the truth is, I am not overweight at all. The source of this self-critique lies in the comments I encountered while growing up, which, regrettably, have left an indelible mark on my psyche. The constant bombardment of opinions about my body has created a distorted self-image, making it seem impossible for me to ever feel content with my appearance.

Admittedly, it's been a bit of a struggle. Body dysmorphia can be a tough nut to crack. However, I'm making a conscious effort to love my body as it is right now. It's not about conforming to societal ideals or succumbing to external pressures—it's about accepting and appreciating myself.

So, here I am, sharing a piece of my journey with you all. Let's remember that our bodies are incredible vessels that change with time. It's okay to evolve, and it's okay to love yourself at every stage. If I can overcome my body dysmorphia, so can you. Let's celebrate ourselves, our uniqueness, and the beauty in every form.

Love and body positivity,
Anne