Oh sweet Lia. I am probably totally the wrong person to be weighing in on all of this, but ... I am sorry that your clothes don't fit. I'm going through the same thing right now, except it's the opposite. (Probably why I am not really qualified to speak here, but damn it, I'm gonna try anyway).

So it's like this. I have this friend. She's somebody I don't talk to as much as I'd like, but someone I know I can always talk to no matter what's going down. And you know what? I've never seen her, but she's beautiful. How do I know this? I know this by what she exudes. She exudes confidence, femininity, sassiness, grace and charm. She is the embodiment of what a woman and a mother should be, at least in my view. She might not look exactly how she wants to when she looks in the mirror, but to me and so many others, she is completely perfect just the way she is.

I know that probably doesn't help, but to me and so many others, you are absolutely perfect, just the way you are. I'm sorry that your confidence has taken a hit, but there is so much to love about you that goes way beyond any physical attributes you may or may not possess. You have a real gift, love. A gift of empathy and kindness and wittiness and the strength and tenacity to rise above so, so much. To me, that is what's most important. Your soul, your essence --- this is what makes you who you are. And that person is absolutely breathtaking.

<3