To the individual who felt compelled to message me:

Yes, I do look different from what I looked like in high school. 15 years have gone by, it’s hard not to change in that amount of time. I can only imagine your message was meant to make me feel bad about myself. And I’ll admit, it worked for a minute, but it also gave me the opportunity to reflect on those years that have gone by.

In those 15 years, I have started a career in a field that is underappreciated and undervalued. I worked extremely hard to manage anxiety. I paid off tons of student debt, and still managed to be financially afloat during economic crisis.

But in those 15 years, I also married the love of my life, bought a home for us to build a family in, welcomed two beautiful children in the world, and found purpose in motherhood and teaching.

So if you comment to me about me “letting myself go” was really you saying that I’ve changed over the last 15 years, then yes, you’re right, I have changed. I am no longer the girl who has hours to do her hair and make up. I spend my mornings feeding babies, and finding activities to do with them to help them learn and grow. I am no longer the girl who can work out and go for long runs alone in peace. My exercise usually consists of chasing my toddler around. and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love the way my life has changed and I feel incredibly blessed.

Sure, I have more wrinkles, a few grey hairs, and weigh more than I used to. But during this season of life, I am less worried about what clothes I fit into and if my hair looks good at all times, and more worried about if I am providing for my family and giving my kids the best life I possibly can. My kids don’t care if I have my makeup done, or if I’m wearing biker shorts and a spit up stained tshirt. All they care about is playing with a happy and present mommy. So that is what I will be. And maybe someday I will have more time to spend on my appearance and self care. But for now, thank you for reminding me of what an incredible life I have created and what a blessed mother I am.

This message served not only as a reminder of my beautiful life, but also how I am teaching my babies how to be good people. We will pray for people like you who feel the urge to put others down for no reason. And I will go to bed feeling confident my babies will grow up showing kindness and humility to others.

If there are any other mothers or individuals who have changed since their earlier years, be confident in yourself and thankful for all the moments that have brought you to this day.

God bless.

Xoxo Stephanie