In April I was in a really bad place. Emotionally and physically. On the 10th of that month, I shared a story on Instagram about going into my kitchen 14 different times in one day. I was using food to cope with my problems, and I wasn't feeling good. I wrote about it some for SHAPE. Stepping on the scale was the final straw, reminding me of a difficult college #hurdlemoment, and thus began a lot of inner work trying to get to a better place.

Journaling. Talking. Therapy. Strengthening. Less judgement. More acceptance. Setting boundaries. Better interactions. Now, a couple months later, I'm really proud of my progress. But here's the thing: No one's reaching out to me and commenting about my attitude. What I'm hearing, from friends and complete strangers alike, are comments on my appearance. In today's 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm opening up about how that makes me feel. 

PROMPT: What is something you're working on that no one knows about?

SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK WATCH: Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man, Episode 3 with Emmanuel Acho BUY: Under Armour Mid sports bra ($28), Lululemon Energy sports bra ($52), Nike Swoosh sports bra ($30) TRY: Pickup Please Free Donation Pickup DONATE: 1 Million Miles for Justice with Black Girls Run READ: Nicole Cardoza’s Anti-Racism Daily Newsletter

... and lastly, Happy Father's Day!