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  • Valentine’s Day Confession: The (Good and Bad) Reality of Being Single as a Pringle

    Valentine’s Day Confession: The (Good and Bad) Reality of Being Single as a Pringle

    “Are you dating anyone?”

    Ah, the dreaded question at every family party or catch up with a friend that has me thinking on my feet – will it be a witty response about my pure singleness, or a serious rundown of my near nonexistent flings on dating apps? Ask me and find out! 😉

    Valentine’s Day is upon us, and yesterday was also Self Love Day (did you catch my 13 Days of Self Love campaign on Instagram?). So, I found this a perfect time to shed some light and real talk on this whole single thing as a twenty-something in the thick of it.

    First, I’m going to admit that loving ourselves in an ongoing, every day process. You don’t just wake up one day and love yourself – you work at it just like you work at a fitness routine or healthy lifestyle – it’s a process that ebbs and flows.

    And that process as a single person comes with serious highs, but also serious lows. One day, you’re a proud, independent woman who doesn’t need a man – and the next, you’re crying over some dude. It’s a daily struggle.

    I don’t mean ‘struggle’ to be severe, but I do mean to say that it is not always easy. Don’t get me wrong, I know relationships aren’t easy either. But going it alone can put you up against some potentially dark and lonely times that you must dig yourself out of (girlfriends are the best, am I right?). But, on the other end, it also can mean a whole lot of self-growth and strength you never knew you had – beautiful right?

    I recently talked to a friend of mine about dating. I entered the conversation thinking I had it all figured out (see above: you’re a proud, independent woman who doesn’t need a man), but I ended the conversation realizing yes, I definitely crave that feeling of love sometimes… and that’s okay.

    I came to the realization that it’s okay to feel alone sometimes, crave that feeling of love from someone, or be a proud independent at any given moment – these are just the natural feelings of a single person (at least, in my opinion). I have no proof of this besides the fact that I am living proof of this.

    And I also came to the realization being single doesn’t mean you have to love every second of it – but it does mean you have to love yourself like crazy. Hence: my Self Love campaign! It also means you have to surround yourself with amazing people who lift you up and love you. So this Valentine’s Day, I’m grabbing a glass of wine (maybe two), some close friends, and toasting to the journey of love – whatever path that may be for all of us (single or not).

    Happy Valentine’s Day and Self Love Day! XOXO, Your Favorite “Single as a Pringle” Gal

    PS – Does this resonate with you? Let me know so I don’t feel like a vulnerable single who just put it all out there. K thanks!

  • An Open Letter to The Bachelor: Where Are The Curves At?

    An Open Letter to The Bachelor: Where Are The Curves At?

    Dear Bachelor Franchise,

    I am writing because I noticed a huge flaw in your programming – one that is quite frankly an epidemic in today’s media – and that is your failure to include curvy women on your show.

    Question: When casting your seasons for The Bachelor, do you have a requirement that says, “Women must be no bigger than a size 4?” Because I’m going to be honest, I see a little more body diversity when men are competing for the rose, but not so much when it’s women.

    There’s nothing wrong with these women that are featured on the show season after season – I don’t skinny shame – but there’s a whole lot of thick and curvy women that you’re missing out on. And quite frankly that America’s missing out on when you don’t include anyone on the show bigger than a size 4.

    But what’s wrong with this ‘letter’ is I shouldn’t even have to be writing it – it should just be happening. Curvy, thick, plus-size women – whatever you want to call it – shouldn’t have to fight to be the norm or included in a popular show to find love. Thick women ARE the norm. In fact, 67% of women are considered plus-size. Though I dislike the term plus-size, I’m curious as to why this isn’t it depicted in a popular TV show like yours that millennials, impressionable teens, and the like are watching?

    I asked myself the same thing when I was watching the new season with my roommate the other night – where the heck are the curves at? And sadly, it’s the same story every single season.

    As a woman watching who has curves, nowhere near a six-pack, and still is just as deserving of finding love as the next person, it’d be nice to see some more body diversity on your show. So that’s why I’m writing this letter that you’ll probably never read – but you should. Because I speak for a lot of women whose body types aren’t being represented, but very well should be… 67%+ to be exact.

    And not going to lie… I actually think Colton could use some curves. Just saying. 😉

    Sincerely,

    Your Favorite TV Viewer (And Guilty Bachelor Viewer)

  • This Year’s Resolution: Practicing Forgiveness

    This Year’s Resolution: Practicing Forgiveness

    It’s New Year’s resolutions time, which has me shamefully recalling a whole lot of old resolutions focused on my weight or appearance (sigh). In reflecting on this past year, I’m envisioning 2019 being a whole lot different in many ways. And right now, it’s time to get real.

    I’ve made a lot of progress this past year around my body and self-love, but there’s always growth to be made. And while I’ve made strides to love my body for what it is, it was hard this year to not get fixated on it. I’ve lost weight and people have taken notice – but I’ve realized that’s a really empty feeling to lean on. Because at the end of the day, you’re standing there with yourself – but if you’re so focused on your appearance that can leave a lot of emptiness, right? It’s so important to have pride in other areas of your life and recognize yourself as more than just your body – because we are all SO much more than that. That was a huge reminder for me this year.

    I consider myself a body positive blogger, but what I’ve learned is that doesn’t mean I’m perfect and have all my shit worked out – I certainly don’t. I have moments of insecurity, doubt, unhappiness – you name it. But it only makes me stronger in the end, and only makes me want to come out fighting for body positivity and self-love in the world even harder.

    I’ve seen so many terrible, terrible things happening with body image, especially on social media – like people fat shaming and skinny shaming others constantly. It makes me sick when other people take their own insecurities out on other people (which I really think is true).

    I’m proud of myself for taking one of my huge insecurities and flipping it on its head to inspire and motivate others to love themselves. I am. But I’m also not proud of myself for these sometimes looming feelings I have or not writing about it often enough – I think to myself, “I’m a body image blogger, darn it!”

    But what I’m working on moving into 2019 is forgiveness.

    Forgive your body for gaining a couple pounds over the holidays, because it meant spending quality time with the people you love and the numbers don’t matter. Forgive yourself for putting something on the back burner, because you’re allowed to live your life and find your passions your own way.

    In the back half of 2018, I pretty much completely stopped writing for my blog. I had so many other things on my mind and prioritized other things – like fitness/running a triathlon, taking care of myself and mental health, spending time with friends, working, traveling, relaxing, etc. And while I sometimes want to smack myself and go, “Ugh, Kenzie. You need to work on your blog more, what are you doing?!” I’m choosing forgiveness. I’m choosing to forgive myself from taking a little hiatus, because I’m allowed to live my life. I’m allowed to live out my passions, and it’s not always going to be picture perfect or give me inspiration to write every day. And that’s okay.

    Spending time reflecting has me realizing how much pressure there really is in this world – pressure to have a “perfect” life, have a ton of money, have a perfectly DIY’ed home, have a perfect blog, have a boyfriend/fiancé/husband, look amazing in a swimsuit – okay, maybe this is what I’m seeing but I think everyone else is seeing it on their social media feeds, too. There’s pressure all around us, and it can be completely anxiety inducing at times. And this applies to the blogging world too, as there are a lot of “picture perfect” or seemingly “better” bloggers out there that might mess with your mind.

    But I have to go back and think about WHY I’m doing things, and ask myself, “Am I doing it to be this perfect blogger?” I don’t want to live like that – I want to live MY life for me (and recognize it’s okay to feel a little lost in that sometimes). For a while, I had nothing that was really speaking to me so I didn’t write for a bit. I can forgive myself for that, because that pressure I’m putting on myself to be this amazing blogger is for what? I started my blog because I wanted to empower people to love themselves, educate them on body image, and write. I can still do that in my everyday life, through my Instagram, in person, or privately, but not necessarily write things publicly every week to be a good “blogger.” So that’s what I’m doing – forgiving myself – and remembering everyone is on their own journey.

    I have serious goals for myself in 2019 – one of them is to continue writing for my blog more frequently. But I also want to start a podcast, go on more dates, keep pushing fitness goals, get promoted at work… the list goes on. But while I have so many things I want to work on, I also want to forgive myself if things aren’t PERFECTLY met, because that’s life. So whatever inspires you in the moment, makes you feel good, moves you closer to your goals, do it! And don’t do it for the gram… do it for YOU.

    Cheers to a happy and healthy 2019! What are your resolutions?

    XOXO, Kenzie

  • Lessons From My First Triathlon

    Lessons From My First Triathlon

    For years, completing a triathlon has been a dream I thought I couldn’t physically achieve – but just over a week ago, that all changed.

    I am so beyond happy to say that I completed my first triathlon just over a week ago in Chicago. Today, receiving the photos of me from race day really put it into perspective – I did it! I swam for .47 miles, biked 15 miles, and ran 3.1 miles.

    One year ago today, and many years leading up to that, I watched my mom complete multiple triathlons and always wanted to do one myself. But like a lot of us do, I told myself I “could never” and wrote it off year after year. One year, I even told people I was doing it then backed out.

    So I thought I’d write a post to share my experience, but also speak to the people reading who think they could never do a triathlon, think they can’t complete that half marathon race, or whatever that doubt is. I’m here to promise you that you can.

    But what I also promise you is that you have to get to a place (mentally and physically) that you may not have gone before – which again, you can. Just last year, not only was I saying I couldn’t run, I was also saying I couldn’t do the triathlon, and probably so many other terrible, negative things. Looking back, I can’t even believe all the things I shut out of my life just because I thought I couldn’t.

    This year has certainly proven my theories wrong. I’m running every single week – but it has nothing to do with my weight – I could run when I was 50 pounds heavier, too. Everything it has to do with is my mindset. The second I started telling myself I could do things, shit just started happening. That’s not a coincidence – not in my book anyways.

    Getting to the point (physically and mentally) where I felt confident and strong enough to compete in the triathlon took about a year. It took a year of regular Shred415 classes, which included strength training and cardio that absolutely kicked my butt. It took 3 months of training and getting ready to swim, bike, and run – all in a row, using muscles I probably hadn’t used in a while. But it also took a mentality of “I CAN do this.” And that last part is more important than people may think.

    I trained diligently, but I also told myself day in and day out that I had this in the bag. And come race day, that mentality stayed the same – I believed in myself and I crushed my first race (because I finished, which was my goal!). I never wavered from my positive thoughts, and it had me smiling through race day – including 90+ degree heat (and trust me, I am not a heat person).

    If you’re reading this post – I encourage you to go sign up for that workout class you thought you couldn’t do, sign up for that race – do that thing that you’ve always told yourself you couldn’t. If it’s a longer term goal, sign up early and make a game plan. I promise, you will come out on the other side, stronger and happier than ever.

    And you know I absolutely love inspiring people, and the support I’ve received has been overwhelming, but it has by no means been an easy or perfect road. I’ve had my moments of doubt, anxiety, potential injury – you name it – but I made it through, and I know others can too.

    Thank you to everyone who supported me through this triathlon – I couldn’t have done it without you.

    If you ever want to chat about the triathlon, training, etc. please email me – I’d love to chat! thecurveconfessions@gmail.com

    XOXO, Kenzie

  • These three celebrities are talking body image and I’m SO here for it

    These three celebrities are talking body image and I’m SO here for it

    Well, hello everyone. It’s been a bit since I’ve written a blog post… I’m excited to be back! Side note from this blog, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my blog and how to spice things up and bring more updates to you all. Without getting into too much detail… get ready for more updates, more blog posts, and a whole lot more inspo, people.

    But back to the post… celebrities killing the body positive movement lately. Yes please. As you have probably noticed, I follow the celebrity scene pretty closely. Kind of a guilty pleasure? And since starting The Curve Confessions, I’ve realized now more than ever they are talking about body image. How cool for my blog, right?! Exactly what I was thinking.

    This Sunday, gather some inspiration from each of these amazing ways celebrities are supporting ALL OF US in the body positive movement.

    • Beyonce: Since I know there’s a lot of ladies out there who follow and love the Queen Bey, I think her recent interview and cover with Vogue was SO important. If you missed it, check it out. She talks about her post-partum body and how she’s loving her “FUPA” (her words, not mine!), and how she gave herself self-love and self-care, and embraced being curvier following her complicated pregnancy. Hell yeah, girl. In my opinion, the message here is listen to your body and rock it no matter what stage you’re at. And I’m so glad she could bring that message to the masses in this interview.
    • Emmy Rossum: If you aren’t familiar with the name, Emmy stars in Shameless (aka the best show ever). And not only is she an incredible actress, but I’ve also been catching that she’s an awesome person, too. Shortly after the whole Kardashian’s calling each other “so skinny” thing and talking about their weight (Kim saying on her Instagram story that she’s 119 pounds), Emmy has been promoting some crazy good messages about weight (and how it’s so not important). She wrote a series of Instagram posts asking her followers if they wanted to know how much she weighed – followed by an image of her with things about herself that had absolutely nothing to do with weight. She then encouraged followers to post their own photos – and directed them to an online community called “I Weigh,” which is a movement to look beyond the scale. I’m SO here for this and love Emmy even more now. I encourage everyone to follow both Emmy (@emmy) and I Weigh (@i_weigh) for more inspiration.
    • Amy Schumer: Okay, Schumer is always a proponent of telling women everywhere to rock the skin they’re in. I’m beyond late to the party, but I watched her movie ‘I Feel Pretty’ and it gave me all the feels. She basically breaks down society’s expectations of women and the pressure we put on ourselves, but sheds light on the fact that no matter how you look – EVERYONE feels their own insecurities. But beyond that, it encourages women to have confidence no matter what their size is (something I hope you all feel when following my blog!). In addition to her movie that I was completely late to the game on, she also recently spoke at the BlogHer 2018 conference, encouraging women to lift each other up. Basically, I’m just all in for Amy Schumer’s support of women and positive body image, and I hope you are too.

    These women are just a few examples of celebrities in the public eye talking about issues that are SO important for girls and women everywhere to hear and practice. This is the stuff I love seeing – and only hope to continue seeing.

    Question for you: Do you like the celebrity stuff? Do you want to see more of it? I hope so! But that’s also okay if not. Leave me a comment or drop me an email if you have anything specific you want to see me write about. thecurveconfessions@gmail.com. And if you’re not following me on Instagram, get going! @thecurveconfessions

    Have a kick butt Sunday, you all. Oh also, speaking of celebs, if you haven’t listened to Ariana Grande’s new album Sweetener, please go do that.

    XOXO, Kenzie