I attended an event recently.

You know how it is before the program starts. People are greeting each other, taking pictures, laughing, and looking for the perfect spot to stand.

Then I noticed a lady.

Every time someone brought out a phone, she quietly stepped aside.

At first, I thought she was just shy.

A little while later, I wanted a picture, so I looked around for someone to help me.

She happened to be standing close by.

"Please, can you help me take a quick picture?" I asked.

She smiled, took the picture, and handed my phone back.

Then I smiled and said, "Come, let us take one together."

She laughed softly, shook her head, and said,

"No... I will start taking pictures when I finally gain weight."

For a second, I did not even know what to say.

Not because she wanted to gain healthy weight.

But because she believed confidence had to wait.

It made me wonder...

How many women are quietly waiting for life to begin after they gain weight?

Or after their tummy becomes flatter.

Or after their stretch marks fade.

Or after their skin clears.

Or after they finally get rid of cellulite.

Or after they feel beautiful enough.

Or after they stop comparing themselves to other women.

Or after they look more like the women they see online.

Waiting to wear the dress.

Waiting to stand in front of the camera.

Waiting to go to the beach.

Waiting to dance without feeling self-conscious.

Waiting to post the picture.

Waiting to show up confidently.

Waiting to enjoy themselves.

Yes, work towards your healthy weight goals.

Take care of your skin.

Look after your health.

Celebrate every little improvement.

But please, do not wait until your body changes before you allow yourself to live.

Body confidence is not something waiting for you at your destination.

It is something you build while you are becoming the woman you want to be.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, I will do that when I finally change my body?