OK. Full disclosure. When people used to tell me I was “like an Amazon woman” it hurt my feelings. I had this terrible vision of a bulky non-feminine, giant lady!… from the Amazon (in South America – you know, like where the Amazon river is…) Unbeknownst to me at the time that an Amazonian women were actually in reference to a Grecian matriarchal society, of strong, (mostly gorgeous) warrior women – i.e. Wonder Woman.

I’m 5’10”. I’m long. Proportionally, my arms and legs are “too long” for my torso. I’m lanky and awkward and uncoordinated. Dressing this body is rough, especially with regular shirts becoming crop tops and denim jeans that should brush the floor (thank goodness for ankle pants the last few years). Did you know there’s an ideal physiologic “attractiveness” hip:waist ratio of a women’s body? Well, my ratio doesn’t fit the bill. I’m V-shaped, and probably should have been a professional swimmer, but honestly I’m just not that competitive.

It took me YEARS to become comfortable with my shape and size. Honestly, there are still moments I am doubtful, especially when I want to wear cute new styles, that just don’t fit my body proportions quite right.

Here’s the thing, and I hope you’re reading this at a younger age rather than an older one–but the important part is that you’re reading it. LOVE yourself. It’s that simple. Own it. Learn to love you. Learn who YOU are. Be Yourself.

The message here, is to have faith in yourself in who you are, and what you want. Do you know who you are? Way deep down on the inside? I like to think I do (most days).

I can tell you about a distinct moment around the age of 21, that I realized that I was the only one fighting to make me happy. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up in a loving family, with parents still married who support me always. But I knew that I was going to have to pave my own way into the future.

It’s so important to captain your own ship, and I hope that you are able to find some empowerment in this! Be YOU. Love YOU. Until you love yourself, are you open to actually loving another? WAY existential – don’t answer that.

Back to tall girl problems….where this all started! Embrace the you that you have now, every day. If you’re not a big fan of her, change the things you don’t like. (Example – I’m currently weighing in at least 10 pounds heavier than I would prefer, so I’ve begun eating healthier & exercising regularly). Ultimately you have to live with yourself, and I hope so much that you know her & love her.

I would love to hear if this post inspired you in any way. I believe every woman has the gumption to become everything she wants to be!