03/02/2025
I’m currently in Bali, living the life I’ve always dreamed about. And yet, somehow, I feel lost in my own body.
It all started with the bloating 6 months ago. At first, it was just uncomfortable, and I couldn’t believe how much my belly could actually bloat. But then the bloated belly stayed with me and it became something more - something that stopped me. I started to avoid social situations and isolate myself. I began to wear loose clothes and stopped to make plans with friends. Whenever I go out and feel myself bloating, I end up leaving straight away because I just want to lie down, as that’s the only position where my bloated belly doesn’t feel as overwhelming. I check my stomach constantly, searching for answers, but the more I look, the less I see. Since the bloating sometimes stays for multiple days it also made me question everything I see in the mirror, and I started to develop body dysmorphia tendencies. I became unable to tell what was real anymore. I’d look at my reflection and wonder if I had changed or if my mind was playing tricks on me. It feels like I am a stranger in my own body. The bloating became both a physical and a mental struggle, and honestly it is hard to tell which one is worse.
I don’t have all the answers yet, but I know I’m not alone. If you’ve ever felt discomfort or disconnection with your body, I see you. I think the best thing to do in such situations is to love oneself even more. So I wanted to share some of my favorite self-love affirmations with you:
I am worthy
I am enough
I am seen
I am heard
I am loved
I am beautiful
I am unique
Everything I need is already within me
All the love I need, I am able to give myself +
My body doesn’t define who I am
🤍
