In this episode, l discuss my personal journey with body image and self-acceptance. I talk about the teasing by school bullies, the pressure I felt  from society, and my own family to conform to certain beauty standards. I share my experiences of being offered surgery to change my body and the impact it had on my self-esteem. We must emphasize the importance of loving and accepting ourselves regardless of societal expectations. And I encourage you to prioritize self-love and embrace your bodies as they are. Takeaways Love your body where it is right now, while still working towards health goals.Don't compare yourself to others or strive for perfection.Recognize the influence of media and society on body image.Prioritize self-love and acceptance to improve overall well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Body Image  03:20 Influence of Media and Society 07:14 Pressure from Family 08:42 Pressure from Others 11:20 Self-Esteem and Acceptance 14:08 Loving Your Body 16:02 Conclusion and Self-Love In order to grow we must reveal our truth and stand in it. I am brave. It doesn't mean I 'm not afraid. I love myself for where I was and where I am. In a world where women of a certain age are often overlooked, April Pruitt is on a mission to flip the narrative and redefine what it means to be middle-aged. Are you wanting a life you’re not living? Do you want to connect with like minded women who are curious about what the future holds? With humor and compassion join April Pruitt; greeting card creator, writer, podcaster, and professional nerd, as she dives into honest conversations about her personal journey along with a variety of guests whose own stories can help cultivate a community of support and understanding. We all have are own struggles and ways of coping. April reminds us that no one is walking this path alone. Don't we all want to be loved? To be seen? To be heard? Join April as she tackles various issues to help us live our best emotional life. Get ready to bloom!