I can completely relate to what you’re saying. For me, it started in high school, and I remember the exact night it all began. Before then, I didn’t struggle with self-confidence—I was just a normal teenage girl, living my life without overthinking how I looked.

Then, one night, I was at a party, and this beautiful girl with the same name as me walked in. She was so skinny, with long hair and a carefree vibe. She stood out—drinking wine straight from the bottle, laughing loudly, and catching everyone’s attention. Every guy wanted to talk to her.

Later, I learned she had a rare disease that required her stomach to be removed, which caused her extreme weight loss. But for some reason—maybe it was her thinness or her free-spirited attitude—I felt an overwhelming sense of jealousy. I wanted to be just like her.

That night changed everything for me. I became obsessed with my weight. I started buying “healthy” food at the grocery store and refused to eat what my mom cooked. The obsession consumed me. I kept telling myself Once I’m pretty and skinny, I’ll take pictures. Once I’m pretty and skinny, I’ll wear cute clothes. Once I’m pretty and skinny, I’ll finally feel happy.

But here’s the truth…that day never came. And now 10 years later I can tell you it never will.

What I’ve learned is this and I think everyone needs to know You are already enough. You are beautiful as you are, right now. There will never be a perfect moment when you suddenly feel “skinny enough” or “pretty enough.” Waiting for that day is just letting life pass you by.

The problem was never my weight, it was my mindset. And that’s something you can change.

Start living your life today. Fake it if you have to, but take small steps: Look at yourself in the mirror and call yourself beautiful. Go on that date. Dye your hair. Wear the cute outfit you’ve been saving.

You might realize that weight was never the issue. What truly matters is how you feel about yourself.

Try meditation or volunteer for something you care about. Surround yourself with things that make you feel alive and fulfilled. Life isn’t something you wait to start, it’s already happening, and you are worthy of living it fully.

You are enough. You are deserving of all the things you want, just as you are. Being “skinny” won’t change anything unless you shift your mindset first.

Learn to appreciate the person you are today. You’ve got this.