criticism

I've been having some major bouts of low self-esteem and confidence and I'm really not sure why.. I mean, I know it's because of the weight gain, but still.. I feel like I really should just suck it up, know I am who I am, but it still gets to me.

Today, however, JJ told me he still finds me beautiful.. and a good friend of mine told me I was prettier than one of our other friends (who is UBER confident to the point of almost cockiness).. and when I heard both of those compliments today.. it just really made me feel like those extra few pounds just disappeared...

It's nice to know that not everyone in the world is judging you. It got me thinking about how critical we are about ourselves (especially women) every day.. I know that I have a bad habit of just staring at the mirror and analyzing how much weight I've gained, how many inches have been added, how many stretch marks are now suddenly appearing.. and I know it isn't a healthy habit.

Sigh. I need motivation... I need a partner in this.. It's so hard to STAY motivated when others around me don't share the same goals..

blah. I need help.