Health blogger Riley Hemson describes herself as "just a huge girl tryna get some abs."
That might sound like a contradictory statement to some, but as she and her over 77,000 followers know, Riley isn't letting anything stop her from achieving that goal — not even her own self-doubts.
Over the course of 2017, the New Zealand native made it her mission to tone her body. So far, she's managed to lose more than 25 pounds. Riley has kept her fans updated along the way with her gym routines and healthier eating habits.
But like Ashley Graham and other plus-size women, she knows that beauty doesn't come from the number on her scale.
As Riley reflected on all of her strides this year, she decided to share a gorgeous photo of her rocking a bikini to sing the praises of embracing self-love.
Take a look to read what Riley had to say, and be sure to SHARE her awesome message with your friends!
Riley shared the stunning photo above, which has over 12,000 likes on Instagram, with a caption dubbing 2017 her "year of self love." She continued to say:
What started as a mission to lose a heap of weight, turned into a journey of health, love and happiness.
I am aware that I sound like I’m spinning whack hippie sh*t but hear me out.
If you’re intending on changing your body to ultimately be happy with what you see, you will never be happy.
LOVE yourself enough to treat your body and mind with the nutrition it needs. Fuel your journey with love, not hate. Everything else will fall perfectly into place.
This year I have learnt the importance of this and it’s honestly changed my damn [life].
You CAN be the best YOU! I’m not just talking health. Cause you’re more than your health.
You are the way you treat others, you are the way you smile, the way you make others smile, the way you cry, the way you laugh and the way you get down and dirty on the [dance] floor.
You are SO MANY THINGS, remember that.
This year I completed my degree in Paramedicine, I’m proud of that. I’m also proud of my outlook on life, positivity always.
Riley finished her caption asking her followers to comment with one thing they were proud of doing in 2017.
One user shared how she finished a medical degree just like her: "I graduated from nursing school! It was the hardest, most stressful, emotionally draining, wonderful, rewarding experience I have ever been through."
Others applauded her outlook on life and health, like the user who commented: "Omg this is the best thing I've read regarding losing weight ever. I gotta get me a good attitude like that. So resonating with me, thank you for that!"
Be sure to SHARE Riley's inspirational message about self love with all of your friends on Facebook!
