Dear Body,

You have been my truest friend for the past twenty-one years. And I want to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for all the days that I starved you and worked you too hard. I’m sorry for my twenty first birthday. I’m sorry for all the times I went to sleep hating you.

In today’s society, it is hard to not think about you.

I’m sorry for all the times I ran when all you wanted was sleep. I’m sorry for all the times I slept when all you wanted to do was run. I’m sorry for my unhealthy love of cheese. I’m sorry. But in that, I am thankful.

I’m thankful for all the nights that you didn’t give up on me. I’m thankful for you telling me when to stop even if I didn’t listen. I’m thankful for you letting me dress you. And hold you.

And for not judging me when I cry.

You were there for me when no one else was. And I’m not trying to tell everyone to love their bodies. Because I, of all people know how hard that can be.

But I know how thankful I am for you, for my family's bodies, for my friends bodies. And I hope that this will remind them of that.