Sally was inspired to share her personal journey through bullying and low self- esteem after seeing Amy’s story for her book; #EmergingProud through disordered eating, body image and low self-esteem. 

Sally’s personal story is a common one for many; childhood bullying being at the root cause of poor self- image and low confidence… but as these brave stories show; things CAN change, and often learning to love ourselves out of darkness leads to our light shining even brighter…

Hi I’m Sally, I’m age 39 and I’ve always battled with low self esteem and low feelings towards my body image, my weight, my size, my shape and my curves. It has worried me so much that I have felt at times that I don’t fit in, I’m not normal etc.

I was bullied so bad at school which affected my confidence too, way into adulthood. I was bullied because then I was a size 14! Which is slimmer than I am now, and the kids made my life hell because I was bigger than most others.  I made out I was ill a few weeks to my mum so I didn’t have to go to school. The kids used to say I was a sumo wrestler, I had thunder thighs etc.. it was crippling but I didn’t have the confidence to fight back … then as I got older the bullying changed because I had curly hair!! It was ridiculous and I grew up feeling like I didn’t belong, or fit in, or that I wasn’t accepted as I didn’t have many friends or wasn’t cool enough! But it’s only as I have grown older, I have felt more comfortable with who I am, my journey, my body and where I am heading in life.

The last few years I have started to embrace me, and the freedom has come from not feeling like I have to fit in with anyone anymore, I found groups of friends who have accepted me as I am, I have found hobbies, passions and purpose, this has all helped me realise I can be who ever I want to be, I don’t have to be the same as everyone else, and I actually embrace now that I’m not!

I have the most amazing curly hair which I now love, and colour it with fun colours which I feel matches who I am and my personality. This brings me freedom and happiness by being my authentic self. I still have wobble days about my body, like feelings of am I too curvy? Am I too fat?  Am I too out there and wacky?! But I think back and realise this is where I’m at right now, this is who I am right now, it may change and vary but this is me today.  And that’s all I can be, is the real version of me on this day, however that day feels!

We are all on our own journeys, there is no need to compete for we are all unique and special in our own way, which isn’t necessarily the same way as others are. I have found a love for things that bring me peace and balance, including yoga, meditation, chanting, music, sound therapy and alternative therapies that all help me to feel my true self. I see beauty in others that they may not see in themselves, and I’m sure people see beauty in me that I don’t see in myself…

  I am embracing me, I dare you to do the same xxx  Sally.

Well done Sally for embracing your authentic Self, we honour you just as you are ❤ 

Does this subject resonate with your own experience? 

Would you like to share your story for Amy’s KindaProud book, #EmergingProud through disordered eating, body image and low self-esteem? 

Please contact Amy to find out how by contacting her at: info@soul-shine.org.uk