It’s safe to say that even most slim and stunning among us have felt like the ‘fat friend’ at one time or another. Maybe it’s that you felt like a troll when out in public with a pal who resembles a Victoria’s Secret model. Or perhaps you were just having a ‘fat’ day and couldn’t shake the feeling that you stood out as the chubby one in your group.
But for 23-year-old Michelle Elman, it’s a feeling that has stuck with her for most of her life. At a young age, Michelle underwent 15 surgeries to treat a brain tumor, punctured intestine, obstructed bowel, brain cyst, and a condition called hydrocephalus. The operations left her abdomen covered in scars she thought resembled fat rolls. From the age of 11, she became aware of the fact her body looked a little different from her friends’.
For many years she shied away from bikinis, afraid of showing her belly in public and being ridiculed as the ‘fat friend.’ But now, the Mindset For Life body confidence coach and creator of the Scarred Not Scared campaign has shed those inhibitions — and she’s inspiring others to do the same.
The Londoner recently went on an adventure with friends to a fjord in Norway. She shared a snap to Instagram to celebrate the occasion and it’s gone viral for all the right reasons. In the pic, Michelle and her friend rock nothing but bras and pants — and they both look amazing! But it’s the strong message in the caption that has us wanting to make Michelle our new best friend.
We can’t get enough of Michelle’s body confident attitude! We’ll certainly keep her wise words in mind next time feeling less-than-perfect keeps us from living life to the fullest!