I grew up in a unique era, when Tumblr was big and thigh gaps were all the craze. As a vulnerable teenager, I felt as though in order to considered desirable, I needed a thigh gap and flat stomach. I spent far too much time of my middle school and high school years at the gym and counting calories, only to feel like I was never thin enough. After seeking therapy and working through my body confidence, I finally feel as though I am at peace with my body, size, and abilities. However, after seeing TikTok and Instagram trends romanticizing eating disorders and thinness, I fear that viewers such as my past self will see these videos and adopt the same lifestyle I once had. I have multiple teenage family members and a boyfriend who currently struggle with eating disorders, and I want to use my past experiences to motivate and support others through recovery from eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and low body confidence. During the pandemic, I discovered my love for weight lifting and running. I do these activities not because I feel obligated to, but because it benefits me in a holistic way. I support exercise and clean eating, and I advocate for a healthy balance of diet and exercise for those who feel compelled to incorporate those aspects into their routine. It took me nearly ten years to discover how to balance wellness into my lifestyle without being overwhelmed by physical size or appearance, and I want to share that knowledge and support those who need it. On social media, I oftentimes share posts about wellness in a way that is not size or aesthetic based. I avoid talking about my weight or caloric intake, but instead talk about accepting my body for the way it is, and how feeding my body with a fulfilling diet and staying active in some capacity has provided me with the strength and energy to fulfill goals that go far beyond physical appearance. I avoid shaming those with eating disorders, but instead support them on their road to recovery. I encourage others to see Instagram models and other gorgeous social media influencers as physically attractive people, and not as a template or a beauty standard. Being open about my history of anorexia on social media is difficult, and I've been accused of attention seeking. However, supporting the community of people who struggle with body image, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia means much more to me than the criticisms I receive. Being an ally for those who do not feel as though they meet beauty standards is something I will forever be passionate about, and I will never stop pushing for more conversation about body positivity. As social media only continues to expand, I do not want a repeat of 2013 Thigh gap Tumblr. I want holistic health goals, self love, and acceptance, and I want those who do not yet feel comfortable in their own bodies to know that they are not any less beautiful than what they see on social media.