JULIE
Bradley Estate, Canton MA
Mama, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Auntie & friend. My best day was finding out I was pregnant. I wanted to be a mom so badly. It took us a while so I will never forget that joy. Before that, the disappointment each month not being pregnant weighed on me. It was hard celebrating others when I wanted that so bad. I didn't do all things with grace & I really disliked myself during that time. I’ve learned to be more tender with my words. Someone else could be silently suffering through something I know nothing about. Soon after finding out I was pregnant I was told my daughter may not make it to term. Living in fear of the worst & remaining excited about our baby was a challenge. But in that struggle I stumbled upon my strength. We're now blessed with a daughter who puts a smile on the faces of all she meets. I gained weight over the past few years. In the struggle to balance being a career woman with the desire to be the do it all Mom I made no time for myself. I was stretched so thin I felt like I wasn't doing anything well. I feared not being there for my girls. I felt trapped in my own body- like the fit healthy me was screaming for help. It's overwhelming being completely out of shape and going down a dark path emotionally & physically. I felt alone & didn't know where to start but I needed to find myself again. I took control of my health making small changes that would eventually lead to bigger ones. I've struggled with my weight for years. Despite having parents that told me I was beautiful & feeling confident in many ways I just never felt as pretty as other girls. That said, I'm coming to embrace my body. I love that I'm strong and that my body is able to do so many things. That is a gift. My goal is not to fit into the smallest sizes but to feel good in my skin. I think beauty is being the best possible version of yourself inside & out. I'd tell a 12 year old me to love herself, all of herself and that its ok to be different - to do what makes her happy & to have the confidence to always do her best. I am proud of my perseverance. I'm kind, anxious, and confident. I am Julie and I feel most alive when I’m experiencing adventures through my children’s eyes.
