Molly Ritterbeck

This is a sponsored campaign by Under Armour through FitFluential that I am receiving product for participation. I fully and whole heartedly believe in this campaign. I wouldn’t have joined if I didn’t believe in it. I am giving you my own opinions and story. They are no one else’s opinion but my own.

What’s Beautiful?

Me.

My Goal:

Be a strong role model for my 3 daughters by loving myself and owning my self-confidence. #IWILL.

Growing up I was a gymnast. I had the typical coach that was not a nice person and never let me forget my short comings and pointed out when I sucked.  It was hard to work my tail off day in and day out to always be told what I could have done better. I would also get pointed out to me all the other gymnasts that could do what I couldn’t. I was in middle school. The most important years of a person’s life when it comes to self-confidence. Or at least for me. I was always second best and that is what I was reminded of all the time.

The worst part is that I even heard this when I got home. I can remember doing a talent show and having fun and the first thing I was told when I say my mom – was that I couldn’t have done something better. I couldn’t escape this feeling of not being good enough.  It continued until I was an adult – I was asked one Christmas “If I buy you jeans this year – do I buy the good size or the bigger size.” I didn’t need or ask for jeans – someone was just being nosey enough to bring my confidence level down. There are so many terrible things I could tell you, so much more, but it is irrelevant – you get the point.

Then it began to change.

I had my first daughter. Then my second.

I would never let them feel the way I felt growing up. They would always know they were good enough. We all are good enough.

I started to realize that I couldn’t make them understand what it meant to be strong and be enough if I didn’t.  I found Zumba, I found running, and I found myself. I realized that I could feel good and it wasn’t up to a number on a scale, a pill on the drug store counter, and it was definitely not up to my haters. Regardless if they were my family and “friends.”

I found myself to be free when I ran. I found myself to be a better person to be around. I found myself playing with my kids again.

I found happiness and it was real.

That is what is beautiful.

I will never let them feel the way I felt growing up. They will always know they are good enough. We all are good enough.

I WILL.

Please join Under Armour,  FitFluential, and myself in the What’s Beautiful Campaign 3.0

Why?

Because you owe it yourself.

Need motivation?

Join my team HERE

Follow my journey HERE