Self Love all Summer pt 2 (Meet Jo)

Tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Jo, and I’m a 28 year old wife and mama. I’m super blessed to have the opportunity to be a SAHM. When I’m not chasing around my little lion, I’m in class working towards getting my bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Studies. If I’m not cooling on the beach, you can catch me in the local coffee shop blogging or editing videos for my Youtube Channel. Encouraging and uplifting women, and mamas is my heart, & Jesus’ love is always my message.

What is something you love about yourself?

What I love about myself physically is my lips. Growing up I did not feel this way. I was actually teased because of the size of them. But as an adult, ain’t nobody got TIME to let others opinions add on to the insecurities that already try to live in my mind!I would also say that I love my spirit. I didn’t always have a glass half full attitude. I spent too much time being negative. I can almost always find the good in something now.

 Have you struggled with being body positive?

YES! I definitely have struggled with this. After having my son, I did not recognize my body. I was ashamed of my stretch marks, and loose skin. It took me a year to start to feel confident again. Embracing what the world sees as “gross” was very hard for me to do. The media does a great job of portraying what a moms bounce back game is supposed to look and be like. I had to write my own narrative, and stop letting society right it for me. I rock my stretch marks proudly now. I mean, I did carry and push out a human haha.

What does self-love mean to you?

Self-love to me is more than loving your outer appearance. Self-love is accepting and loving yourself through every phase of life, through every emotion (good or bad) and through every mistake. Self-love is knowing that you are strong, but even when you don’t feel like you are, encouraging yourself, and believing in yourself

If you could give women an encouragement for this summer what would it be?

My word of encouragement would be to do what works for you. Don’t compare yourself, or try to be like anyone else. If a one piece works for you, do the damn thang, if a bikini works for you, do the damn thing. Hold your head up high, and strut your stuff like you’re a dime plus 99, because YOU ARE!