a moment of honesty:

Almost one year ago, I posted this little soliloquy about my ongoing battle with weight loss and coming to accept my body. I'm not going to lie, as "body positive" as I try to be, I just can't. As embarrassed as I am to admit it, I've gained all of that weight back. (And then some.) Having said that, I made a pact when I began this blog that I would never photoshop myself. No little augmentations here and there, not even using the clone stamp on blemishes. I did this so that I would always be challenged to be my best self. I don't want to have a "blog persona" and a "real life persona." I strive to be the same person here on the interwebs as I am in real life. I wanted this blog to be something that I could look back on someday to see my life's journey unfold before me eyes, which is why I think it's good to check in every once in a while with things like this.

I look at so many other bloggers and just end up feeling bad about myself afterwards because even though they may tout a message of self-love, their all-too-often chopped and skewed faces and bodies leave me feeling inferior. I never want any of you to feel that way while you're reading lark & lace. Just as I want my opportunities to inspire you to go out and chase your own dreams, I want my ongoing journey towards finding the balance between a healthy weight and loving the way I look to inspire you to do the same. Having said that, boot camp starts today... Here's to challenges!

xo,
e.m.

24 comments

  1. You’re absolutely stunning! No alterations required…

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  2. You truly are the most beautiful, inspiring lady inside and out. x

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  3. I love that about you though, that you're beautiful even if you're not a twig. I'm not saying this to encourage you, I really think you're beautiful! Weight doesn't define you! However, stay healthy ;) that includes me too, as I don't want to be labeled "too thin".

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  4. you look so gorgeous no need to do a thing! i am so happy to stand with you on the keeping it real! I wrote about it as well a few posts back called, 'why i wont cheat' all my love and keep happy xxx

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  5. You are stunning and flawless and its a shame you don't see that. You should be proud of how you look, because i know i would be if i was as gorgeous as you.
    I always adore your pictures, and look forward to seeing them every week to see what you've been wearing!

    -Jade
    gracious-silhouettes.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. thank you so much. I guess it's one of those "I look at myself every day and see all of my flaws" kind of things. your words are too kind!

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  6. You are so sweet AND beautiful.
    thank you for staying true to yourself and us as well. its encouraging!

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  7. this post, and you are beautiful. thank you for making that commitment to yourself, to your blog, to your readers. you're an inspiring, lovely lady.

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  8. Try not to worry about your weight, just try and eat healthy, but let yourself have treats too, you are so gorgeous the way you are, i think everyone needs a few curves.
    I don't really blog, but I just did the same thing myself, I used to be a UK26 ish, got down to a UK16 last year (lost about 6 stone), but lost my way and put about half back on. I'm now trying again, starting at a UK20, and I feel better in myself eating good food, my taget is a UK16 size, which is big comparitively but that size feels like me you know.
    Helen :)

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    1. thank you for the advice! it means so much. you're beautiful!

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  9. Thanks for posting this. It's really easy to lose sight (specially online) of who we are. Loving yourself and presenting yourself authentically is the best thing you can do. Trust me, you can always tell honesty. It can't be faked and it's lacking nowadays. I find people like you refreshing and worthy of reading.

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    1. that is a huge compliment, thank you so much.

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  10. Ok listen to me girly. I look at you and I feel how you feel. I would do anything to look like you. You look like vintage movie star. You are so clever, dress well and honestly I don't think you realize just how beautiful you are. Please don't photo shop these imaginary things you feel are wrong with you, because they aren't. There is nothing wrong with you. You are who you are and it's fantastic.

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    1. aw pretty lady, thank you. thank you so so much.

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  11. You're absolutely adorable and have a wonderful blog. Don't be so hard on yourself, girl. You've got so much going for you. And btw, you look pull off the natural look VERY well. Not every girl can do that. Embrace it!

    Much love!

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  12. Erika you are SO beautiful and inspiring. I think we all know how you feel but always know that you are worth so much! You seem so genuine and I would love to someday meet you. Keep on going! I love reading this blog. Never stop!
    <3

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  13. you are honestly such an amazing person (: thank you for sharing this post. it's really inspirational.

    xoxo, Oleah
    xthesimplethingsx.blogspot.com
    Persun Giveaway!

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  14. You're AWESOME and GORGEOUS.. seriously save some for the rest of us. I'm so glad that you don't tweak and change things about your body in photoshop. When I started blogging I wanted to be myself and that's just who I am. Don't beat yourself up about not being "perfect" who is?! All those "flaws" just make you, you! You're amazing and don't ever forget it.

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