I love pretty things. I like my nails done. I haven't met a strappy heel I didn't like. But deadlifting 3 sets of 5 at 247lbs today? THAT makes me feel like I've got my shit together. Three years ago, these callouses and the bruises on my shins would've embarrassed me. I would've felt they made me less feminine, less desirable, less sexy, less of a woman. Three years ago, my spirit was also smaller and my self esteem battered. Today, I'm proud of these callouses. I don't hide the bruises on my shins. They're the result of hard and diligent work. Badges of honor. They're part of my story. One that reminds me of my journey from a small and broken spirit that repeatedly tried to mold herself to meet the desires and needs of others. Losing her true self along the way. This journey is one that has allowed me to break loose of the neat little box designed by others, that I had imprisoned myself in. Now, I am stronger, inside and out. I am freer. I am more me than I have ever been. And I...