Over the years I've noticed a slight (Who am I fooling? It's way more than slight, but for the sake of my sanity we will use that word) change in my weight and in this society, it isn't the easiest. Today, I looked in the mirror and examined myself and decided to come up with a list to abide by from here on out.

1. I will wear that tank top.

I know, I know. We have a really cute tank top that when we bought, we didn't realize that when we put it on in private, our arms would fold over the strap, making us feel as though we should hide our arms under a long sleeve to save ourselves from embarrassment. No ma'am. I'm going to rock this tank like there's no tomorrow.

2. I will stop thinking that stretch marks are the worst.

What happens is, when your body is adjusted in itself and you begin to him weight, your skin stretches. It's a part of growth. I have them on my thighs, on my arms, on my breasts, as well as my bottom. I sometimes find myself in Victoria Secret wanting to indulge in the five for 27, but often times I'm discouraged because of them. Well, me and my tiger stripes make a commitment to indulge whenever from here on out!

3. I will not fake my appetite ever again.

Listen, I'm a thick girl and I love food. Too many times I've gone out to eat, and while eating I've heard "dang girl, you hungry?" Well, instead of laughing it off, I vow to say "hell yes," while taking a large bite out of my Philly Cheese Steak.

4. I will buy that dress.

Oh, that love/hate relationship that I have with body-fit dresses. You see it, and think to yourself "I would look so great in this dress," you take it to the dressing room and you're immediately distracted by the sight of your fupa. Skrrt. Walmart has girdles for $7.49 that will rid you of it over night. Buy the dress!

5. I shall stop sucking in my stomach when cuddling.

Every curvy girl can look at this rule and laugh, because it's the first thing that pops up in our heads when we realize that "Netflix and Chill" is in full effect. As soon as I feel his arms make their way to my midsection, I immediately suck in my stomach for record times to make me seem smaller than I am. My weight is visible, and any man who's attracted to me will notice it. If he wants to hold on to this muffin, who am I to stop him from cuffin'?

6. I will continue to encourage my "donk."

While some curvy women are indeed blessed with a nice round butt, others, like myself, have NONE. Yet, that doesn't stop me from making an announcement every once in a while about its constant growth. I know you see it... I think?

7. Back,YES, not backless.

Rolls are not just for the oven, and society is cruel for allowing you to think that. So what I have rolls on the sides of my back? I shall stop running away from dresses and shirts that bring attention to parts of my body that I may not be comfortable with. I'm back-Yes now!

8. I vow to stop body shaming myself.

Whether you notice it or not, telling yourself that you can't say "yes to the dress" because of your weight is body shaming yourself. The body that you are in is your responsibility to nurture and protect. If you're unhappy with it, change it. However, if you love it, love it unashamedly.

Body image is important. Yet, a lot of us don't realize that the mentality of our body not being acceptable behind with us. I now vow to be unashamedly curvalicious.