iz Gardner is an inspiration for her self-love and self-confidence in a society where the impossible seems to be the norm. The term "big boned" is not just a playful jab at her frame but a symbol of pride for Liz, who has navigated her way from childhood insecurities to embracing her curves with graceful pride. Her life towards self-discovery, is nothing short of inspiring.
Growing up, Liz was the girl who looked like a full-grown woman among her stick-figure friends. As a child, flipping through her mom's magazines and seeing Victoria's Secret models, she thought that was the blueprint for beauty. Fast forward to high school, and Liz's teenage years were marked by the heartache of unrequited crushes and societal pressures. Boys weren’t interested, and Liz’s self-esteem took a hit. However, as she ventured into the beauty industry, Liz found herself surrounded by women—models and celebrities alike—who, despite their flawless appearances, were not immune to insecurities. It was through this lens that Liz began to see perfection for what it truly is: an illusion.
"I came to realize that there is no such thing as perfect and if I love myself the way I am it’s a lot easier than fighting all the negativity," Liz reflects. This revelation was transformative. It shifted her focus from the unattainable to the genuine celebration of her unique beauty. Today, Liz proudly embraces her curvy shape and those stretch marks that tell the story of motherhood—a reminder of her children’s formative years that will forever be etched on her skin.
For Liz, her stretch marks are not just marks; they’re milestones. "I love my shape, I love that I’m curvy now, and I love my stretch marks because when I see them I think of my kids," she shares. This perspective is a testament to her journey of self-acceptance. She’s learned to appreciate the things that make her who she is, rather than wishing away the traits that don’t fit conventional standards of beauty.
Liz’s advice for women struggling with body image issues is refreshingly straightforward.
"Instead of naming all the things you want to change, start naming all the things you don’t want to change—the list will be longer!"
It’s a simple yet profound shift in mindset that encourages a focus on self-appreciation rather than self-criticism.
Her support for SundayMorningView (SMV) is a natural extension of her values. "Because it supports me and it’s real!" Liz says, highlighting SMV’s commitment to authentic, unfiltered beauty. The platform’s dedication to showcasing real women, with all their unique features, aligns perfectly with Liz’s own philosophy of embracing and celebrating one's true self.
In a world where the pursuit of perfection often overshadows genuine self-love, Liz Gardner’s story is a refreshing reminder that beauty is not about fitting into a mold but about embracing who you are—big boned and all. Her journey from self-doubt to self-love is not just inspiring; it’s a call to action for all of us to look in the mirror and appreciate the incredible person staring back.
So, here’s to Liz Gardner and her unshakable confidence, her celebration to her body, and her inspiring message: Love yourself, because that’s where true beauty begins.
