I was one of the few unlucky kids to grow up with curves before the popularity of big butts and thighs became a national epidemic. I was always so frustrated that I didn't have size double zero shorts like the rest of my friends because they wouldn't fit my thighs. Or that my butt made any cute dress ride up too much to wear in public. However, now that I'm older and have learned that this body type doesn't deserve shame and self hatred; I have embraced that it's a blessing rather than a curse.

One of the first things that I learned to appreciate about my wide hips and large bust is that those two features create a wonderful illusion of having a small waist. The trick I learned with this is to accentuate that indented curve of my body by wearing high waisted skirts and pants and wearing accent belts around my waist instead of my hips so that the attention was pulled to the smaller area. It seems too good to be true but one of the keys to the curves is to understand how to dress to fit your body type.

Secondly, having these womanly curves will draw an unfortunate amount of boy attention, both positive and negative, throughout your life, and while this may seem like a disadvantage, the positive side of this is that you learn your self-worth early on. You're able to see the boys who are chasing girls just for their bodies, who may or may not tell you that your body type isn't desirable and you should change, as well as learn to differentiate those boys from those who think your personality is just as beautiful as your body and see you as the whole package. Once you learn to love your curves, you invite others to love them too.

I can't pretend to say that there aren't still days where I look in the mirror and view my curves as me being "fat" but it's all a matter of perception and when I see myself in a negative light, I know I need to change my perception. While there is always room for improvement and fitness is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, it's more important to remember to love the body you were born with - because the moment you become comfortable in your own skin is the moment that your confidence will visibly bloom and your beauty will shine from both inside and out.

Most importantly, the body you're born with will be a part of you throughout your entire life, whereas the fads that make certain body types more desirable than others will continually change. It's pointless trying to chase a fad because you'll never be able to keep up with the rate of change. The best thing you can do is to accept your body, see your own beauty and self worth and let your confidence carry you through the rough times.